197810 Interface Age V 03 I 10

iTuTcnfdrE *33E

COMPUTING FOR HOME AND BUSINESS APPLICATIONS VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 1978 S2.00

CANADA/MEXICO $2.50

INDEX TO HARDWARE

microprocessors in Autos

The 6800 in the D

oom

40K Bytes RAM Memory

1,200,000 Bytes Disk Storage

Desk with laminated plastic surface

DOS and BASIC with random and sequential files

TERMINAL— Upper-Lower case and full control character decoding

SOUTHWEST TECHNICAL PRODUCTS CORPORATION
■H B M I Jptiff 219 W. RHAPSODY

I C SAN ANTONIO. TEXAS 78216

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 55

Fill your computer needs
with the industry’s
most professional microcomputers

#1 IN RELIABILITY

When you choose Cromemco you
get not only the industry’s finest
microcomputers but also the indus-
try's widest microcomputer selec-
tion.

What's more, you get a computer
from the manufacturer that compu-
ter dealers rate #1 in product re-
liability.*

Your range of choice includes
our advanced System Three with
up to four 8" disk drives. Or choose
from the System Two and Z-2D with
5" drives. Then for ROM-based work
there's the Z2. Each of these com-
puters further offers up to Vz mega-
byte of RAM (or ROM).

We say these are the industry’s
most professional microcomputers
because they have outstanding fea-
tures like these:

• Z-80A microprocessor — oper-
ates at 250 nanosecond cycle
time — nearly twice the speed of
most others.

•Rated in The 1977 Computer Store
Survey by Image Resources, Westlake
Village, CA.

a

Up to 512 kilobytes of RAM and
1 megabyte of disk storage

SI

System Three
Two to four disks
Up to 51 2K of RAM/ROM
Up to 1 megabyte of disk

• 30-amp power supply — more
than adequate for your most
demanding application.

• 21 card slots to allow for un-
paralleled system expansion us-
ing industry-standard S-100
cards.

• S-100 bus — don't overlook how
important this is. It has the in-
dustry’s widest support and Cro-
memco has professionally imple-
mented it in a fully-shielded
design.

Cromemco

incorporated
Specialists in computers and peripherals
280 BERNARDO AVE.. MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94040

• Cromemco card support of more
than a dozen circuit cards for
process control, business sys-
tems, and data acquisition in-
cluding cards for A-D and D-A
conversion, for interfacing daisy-
wheel or dot-matrix printers, even
a card for programming PROMs.

• The industry’s most professional
software support, including
COBOL, FORTRAN IV, 16K Disk-
Extended BASIC, Z-80 Macro
Assembler, Cromemco Multi-
User Operating System — and
more coming.

• Rugged, professional all-metal
construction for rack (or bench
or floor cabinet) mounting. Cab-
inets available.

FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW

Cromemco computers will meet
your needs now and in the future
because of their unquestioned tech-
nical leadership, professionalism
and enormous expandability.

See them today at your dealer.
There’s no substitute for getting
the best.

CIRCLEINQUmYN0.11

(415) 964-7400

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 1

VOL

SINCE

3, ISSUE 10

DECEMBER 1975

nuicnittLc tfuc

THIS MONTH’S COVER

Hardware has been the primary
concern of the new microcomputer
industry and in the last three years,
the capabilities have become al-
most unbelievable in respect to the
original designs.

The cover depicts the printed cir-
cuit boards that carry the data sig-
nals within the computer system.
The reflective convergence of the
cover epitomizes the industry’s goal
to bring dreams to reality.

The cover was provided courtesy
of Multi Link, 2121 South Man-
chester Avenue, Anaheim, Califor-
nia, and Is an example of their cus-
tom designed planar boards.

Advertiser Index

Calendar

The Column

Editor's Notebook

FIFO Flea Market Q . . .
From the Fountainhead
Inventor's Sketchpad . .
Letters to the Editor . . .

Micro-Market

Mind Revolution

New Products

Update

White Collar

Microcomputer

OCTOBER 1978

COMPUTING FOR HOME AND BUSINESS APPUCAT

GENERAL FEATURES

INDEX TO HARDWARE 61

GENERAL FEATURES

INDEX TO HARDWARE 61

FIRST ANNUAL REVIEW OF AVAILABLE HARD-
WARE FROM TOTAL SYSTEMS TO PERIPHERALS

A LOOK AT VECTOR GRAPHIC AND THE MZ 72

A BRIEF INSIGHT INTO THE ENGINEERING by Carl Warren. Senior Editor

KNOW-HOW BEHIND VECTOR GRAPHIC

PRODUCTS

A SPECIAL FUNCTION APPROXIMATION METHOD

AND ITS APPLICATION 74

A PROGRAM TO ASSIST IN CALCULATING by Dr. Endre Semonyi

VARIABLE FUNCTIONS.

THE AUTO INDUSTRY MOVES TO MICROPROCESSORS 78

THE AUTHORS REVIEW SOME OF THE CUR- by Robert S. Kosler, M B A. and Leslie D. Ball, Ph.D.
RENT USES OF MICROS IN THE AUTO INDUS-
TRY AND OFFER THEIR THOUGHTS ON FUR-
THER POSSIBILITIES

THE 6800 INVADES THE DARKROOM 82

HOW TO USE THE 6800 AS A DARKROOM by R.B. Lang P.E. and C.J. Lang

CONTROLLER.

COMPUTER GENERATED MORSE CODE 86

HAMS, HERE'S A CHANCE TO UPGRADE YOUR by Jim McClure
CW ABILITIES.

BUSINESS FEATURES

BUSINESS EDITORIAL — BUSINESS MICROCOMPUTERS

FRAUD OR REALITY 90

by Rodney Zaks, Sybex Inc.

OVERVIEW OF A BUSINESS COMPUTER SYSTEM 92

by James Kltzmiller, Kitzmiller Systems

THE AUTOMATED ATTORNEY 96

by Matthew Tekulsky

HARDWARE FEATURES

HARD COPY: WHY NOT THE BEST? GO DAISYWHEEL 98

by John MacDougall

SOFTWARE FEATURES

INTRODUCTION TO THE TEX LANGUAGE - PART III 126

by R. W. Berner

GP MONITOR FOR M6800 — 4K-8K-16K or 32K 132

by William E. Warren

A TEXT EDITOR FOR XEK AND PTCO ASSEMBLIES 138

by Dr. Alan R. Miller, Contributing Editor

INTERFACE AGE Magazine, published monthly by McPheters. Wolfe & Jones, 16704 Marquardt Ave., Cerritos. CA 90701. Subscription rates: U.S. $14.00.
Canada/Mexico $16.00, all other countries $24.00. Make checks payable In U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank. Opinions expressed in by-lined articles do
not necessarily reflect the opinion of this magazine or the publisher. Mention of products by trade name in editorial material or advertisements contained
herein in no way constitutes endorsement of the product or products by this magazine or the publisher

INTERFACE AGE Magazine COPYRIGHT © 1978 by McPheters, Wolfe & Jones. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Material In this publication may not be
reproduced in any form without permission. Requests for permission should be directed to Joanna Kondrath, Rights and Permission, McPheters Wolfe
& Jones, 16704 Marquardt Ave., Cerritos. CA 90701. INTERFACE AGE Magazine is catalogued In the Library of Congress, Classification No QA75 5 155
Membership in Audit Bureau of Circulations applied for.

POSTMASTER: Please send change of address form 3579 and undelivered copies to INTERFACE AGE Magazine. 16704 Marquardt Ave Cerritos CA
90701. Second-class postage paid at Artesia, California 90701 and at additional mailing offices.

2 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBEFI 1978

Considering a Microcomputer?

Be Sure to Check Out the Product Offerings of the World’s Largest
Full Line Microcomputer Company.

Minimum

Configuration

Base

Price

4K RAM $ 279

4K RAM S 349
16K RAM $1190

4K RAM
4K RAM

16K RAM
16K RAM

598

799

$1464

$1738

32K RAM $2597

All Ohio Scientific machines come with microcomputing's fastest full
feature BASIC-in-ROM or on-Disk for instant use.

Challenger I Series

Economical computer systems that talk in BASIC.

Ideal for hobbyists, students, education and the home.

Superboard II — World's first complete system on a board
including keyboard, video display, audio
cassette, BASIC-in-ROM and up to 8K RAM
Challenger IP — Fully packaged Superboard II with
power supply

Challenger IP Disk — Complete mini-floppy system
expandable to 32K RAM

Challenger IIP Series

Ultra high performance BUS oriented microcomputers for
personal, educational, research and small business use.

C2-4P — The professional portable
C2-8P — The world's most expandable personal machine
for business or research applications
C2-4P Disk — The ultimate portable
C2-8P Single Disk — Ideal for education, advanced
personal users, etc.

C2-8P Dual Disk — Most cost effective small
business system

Challenger II Serial Interface Series

Same great features as Challenger IIP Series for those who
have serial terminals: small business, education, industry.

C2-0 — Great starter for users with a terminal
C2-1 — Great timeshare user accessory; cuts costs
by running simple BASIC programs locally
C2-8S — Highly expandable serial machine, can
add disks, etc.

Challenger III The Ultimate in Small Computers

The unique three processor system for demanding business,
education, research and industrial development applications.

C3-S1 — World's most popular 8" floppy based 32K RAM $3590

microcomputer dual floppys

C3-OEM — Single package high volume user version 32K RAM $3590

of C3-S1 dual floppys

C3-A — Rack mounted multi-user business system 48K RAM $5090

directly expandabe to C3-B dual floppys

C3-B — 74 million byte Winchester disk based system. 48K RAM $1 1 ,090
World's most powerful microcomputer dual floppys

OHIO SCIENTIFIC also offers you the broadest line of expansion
accessories and the largest selection of affordable software!

Compare the closest Ohio Scientific Model to any other unit you are con-
sidering. Compare the performance, real expansion ability, software and
price, and you will see why we have become the world’s largest full line
microcomputer company.

4K RAM
4K RAM

298

498

4K RAM $ 545

* I’m interested in OSI Computers. Send me information on:

• □ Personal Computers □ Small Business Computers

I □ Educational Systems □ Industrial Development Systems

I □ I’m enclosing $1.00 for your 64-page small computer buyer's guide.

| Ohio residents add 4% tax

I Name

Address

I
I

| City _

' State

I.

-Zip-

1333 S. Chillicothe Road
Aurora, Ohio 44202
(216) 562-3101

Phone

Tba

C2-4P

The Profeestanal Portable
by Ohio Scientific

The

C2-8P

An exceptional value
in personal computing

=SS3SS3:

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 41

INTERFACE AGE 3

The EAS
Floppy Disk
System

If you like our features,
you’ll love our price!

• Dual Shugart drives.

• Controller with Western Digital 1771
B controller chip and on board prom
boot strap loader for CP/M™ which
is the disk operating system software
recommended and available from
EAS for the S-100 system.

• Power supply.

• Interface.

• All cables.

• Formatting diskette capability, avail-
able with or without controller.
[Capable of formatting Diskettes]

• Wood cabinetry for improved appear-
ance.

• Assembled and tested.

• 90 day guarantee.

Electro Analytic Systems , Inc.

P. o. Box 102

Ledgewood, New Jersey 07852
Phone: (201) 584-8284

CP/M '• is a trademark ol Digital Research, Inc

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 17

IfUTERr^f SEE

16704 Marquardt Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90701
(213) 926-9544

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ROBERT S. JONES
EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER NANCY A. JONES
ASSISTANT-TO-THE-PUBLISHER JOANNA KONDRATH
GENERAL MANAGER EVA YAKA

ADMINISTRATION

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR MIKE ANTICH
PUBLICATION ASSISTANT DENISE JACKSON
SUBSCRIPTION CIRCULATION JO ANN FERGUSON
DOMESTIC RETAIL CIRCULATION ZACH BOVINETTE
(213) 795-7002

CIRCULATION ASSISTANT CHARLOTTE SEVEDGE
CIRCULATION SECRETARY TONI DOTY
ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT SAYOKO TANISAKI

EDITORIAL

SENIOR EDITOR CARL WARREN
ASSISTANT EDITOR SANDRA EVANS

NORTHWESTERN REGIONAL EDITOR ADAM OSBORNE, PhD
NORTHEASTERN REGIONAL EDITOR ROGER C. GARRETT
SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL EDITOR BILL TURNER
HARDWARE EDITOR ROGER EDELSON
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR ALAN MILLER
Editorial Correspondence

Direct all correspondence to the appropriate editor at: INTERFACE AGE
Magazine, P.O. Box 1234, Cerritos. CA 90701.

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION MANAGER MARGARET FENSTERMAKER

ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER SHELLEY WRIGHT
ART DIRECTOR FINO ORTIZ
ARTIST SAMANTHA LEE
TYPOGRAPHER MELODY A. MARTENS

ADVERTISING

NEW ENGLAND REGION DICK GREEN
7 Lincoln St., Wakelield, MA 018S0 (617) 245-9105

EASTERN REGION TONY CARLSON
20 Community PI., Morristown, NJ 07960 (201) 267-3032

MIDWEST REGION AL GRAVENHORST & STEVE SKINNER

5901 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL 60046 (312) 545-8621

WESTERN REGION BRUCE BERKEY & ZACH BOVINETTE
DENIS SEGER

61 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91 106 (213) 795-7002
COMPUTER RETAIL STORES NATIONWIDE
CALL (213) 795-7002 (COLLECT)

FOREIGN CIRCULATION

JAPAN CIRCULATION KAZUHIKO NISHI

ASCII Publishing - 305 HI TORIO, 5-6-4 Mlnaml Aoyama, Minato-ku,

Tokyo 107 Japan

Telephone: (03) 407-4910

UNITED KINGDOM CIRCULATION VINCENT COEN

L.P. Enterprise, 313 Kingston Road, Ilford, Essex. England IGIIPJ.

Telephone: 01-553-1001

FRANCE CIRCULATION ROLAND HESSE

Euro Computer Shop Paris, 16, Rue Louis Pasteur, 92100 Boulogne, France
Telephone: Paris 825-82-52

WESTERN CANADA CIRCULATION BRIAN I.J. WIEBE
Kltronlc, 25236 26th Avenue RR5, Aldergrove, B.C. VOX 1A0
Telephone: (604) 856-2301

EASTERN CANADA CIRCULATION LIZ JANEK

RS-232, Ltd., 186 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1Z1

Telephone: (426) 598-0288

AUSTRALIA CIRCULATION R. J. HOESS

Electronic Concepts Pty. Ltd., 52-58 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Telephone: 29-3753

INDONESIA. SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA CIRCULATION LEE MILES
The Computer Centre, Pte. Ltd., 5366, Woh Hup Complex
Beach Rd. Singapore 7
Telephone: 293-2630

MEMBER OF THE WESTERN mTS
PUBLICATIONS ASSOCIATION

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF
BUSINESS PRESS EDITORS

7*f

"Our goal was to produce 100%
reliable business programs."

“What do we mean by reliable programs? Three
things: good program design, documentation, and
full support.

DESIGN Good program design meets a wide
variety of customer needs without reprogramming.

Keith Parsons. President

Alan Cooper. VP. Systems Development

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 53

Our programs are comprehensive yet retain their
flexibility. They allow convenient backup, are easy
to use and have been thoroughly tested and field
proven.

DOCUMENTATION We consider the quality of
the documentation to be as important as the
programs themselves. That’s why our manuals
are clear, concise and complete.

SUPPORT And when it comes to support we’re
second to none. We release periodic updates,
answer your questions and are available to provide
technical assistance. Now that's reliable.” •

Our growing Business Systems series currently
includes: GENERAL LEDGER. ACCOUNTS
RECEIVABLE. NAD (Name and Address File
system). QSORT (full disk sort/merge), and
CBASIC (a powerful business Basic). For details,
contact our sales manager, Richard Ellman.

Structured Jy/lem/ Group

5615 KALES AVE. DEPT. IA6 OAKLAND, CA 04618 (415) 547-1567

All systems are compatible /nth any 2 HO or 6060 CP/M ,r/ system

NOTCIRMGi

The last several weeks have really been exciting from
my viewpoint. Many manufacturers are finishing up their
new entrants to the market and are really starting to get
enthused.

Nancy Millican of MECA, the people who make the
Alpha I tape system, informed me that they are about to
announce their Delta I disk system. The Delta I works in
tandem with their tape system and provides the very
first total storage package for the microcomputer
market. Nancy said that with the way things are going it
looks like they wil be able to ship by late November or at
the latest early December.

Another company that has been doing some really ex-
citing work is “exatron" of Sunnyvale, California. This
little company owned by Bob Howell is the manufacturer
of a unique device called the “Stringy Floppy’’. This
machine is a small continuous tape loop device which
provides the speed of a floppy and the convenience of
tape. The Stringy Floppy is designed primarily for S-100
bus type machines, but Bob has been working the last
several months on developing an interface for 6800 based
machines. From last reports it’s just around the corner
and will appear first in the pages of INTERFACE AGE.

A LOOK AT SMOKE SIGNAL BROADCASTING

This month's profile is about a small company known
to 6800 users called Smoke Signal Broadcasting. This
company came into being about a year and a half ago
with the sole purpose of supplying extras to the South-
west Technical Products 6800 microcomputer.

Originaly Smoke Signal developed a 16K static RAM
board which works extremely well in the SWTP system.
However, in the last several months they have been
developing 5.25-inch floppies with controller and are
currently planning an 8-inch disk system.

With the Floppy system they provide a disk operating
system that makes use of random access files. We plan
a review by Bill Turner on the capabilities of this DOS.

Smoke Signal is in the process of preparing their very
first total computer system, as of this writing still un-
named. This 6800 system utilizes a well designed
mother board with gold molex pin connectors, built-in
dual floppies, and up to 64K of memory. The formal an-

nouncement of the system will be in the November New
Products directory of INTERFACE AGE.

The guiding light behind Smoke Signal is Ric Ham-
mond, president. Ric has taken the approach that the
way to run a microcomputer business is to stay current
with the market needs but at the same time avoid trying
to market too many products at a time.

Apparently this philosophy has worked well for them.
As a result Smoke Signal has not suffered the financial
difficulties that are plaguing several other manufacturers.

Heading up the software side of Smoke Signal is
Roger Embree, manager of software systems. Roger
developed the DOS and has made decisions to use the
TSC assembler/editor and Software Dynamics BASIC
compiler as part of the supplied software packages.
They also supply a BASIC interpreter from Computer-
ware. Roger's goal is to ensure that only the best pos-
sible software is supplied to Smoke Signal users.

Rounding out the team is Ed Martin, marketing direc-
tor. Ed brought over 14 years of hardware and marketing
knowhow to the company. When I asked him why he left
the security of a larger company to come to Smoke
Signal, his reply was like most of ours in this industry: “I
see a dynamic company with a great big chance to grow
and a place where my marketing talents can be really
put to the test.”

Ed is obviously up to the test; through his efforts
Smoke Signal has really become one of the major con-
tenders for the 6800 market share.

Smoke Signal is a small growing company with a
great outlook. For those users and distributors inter-
ested In more information regarding Smoke Signal and
their products contact: Ed Martin — Marketing Dftec-
tor, Smoke Signal Broadcasting, 6394 Yucca, Holly-
wood, CA 90028, or call (213) 462-5652.

ANOTHER IMPORTANT BOOK AVAILABLE

Books are one of the important tools of our industry,
but it is sometimes difficult to find the exact one you
need to help solve a problem. The folks at The Computer
Bookstore recently sent me a pre-release copy of the
booklet: Master List of Computer Books, spring edition.
This booklet sells for $1.50 and is really a must to round
out the computer reference library. The book lists a
number of reference sources and provides an order form
so a reader can order them quickly. The booklet can be
obtained from The Computer Bookstore, 796 Navy
Street, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.

MYKRO CORPORATION AND IAPS™

George Sutton, the president of Mykro Corporation
just recently sent me the updated version of the IAPS™

6 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

Is your TRASH FLOW higher
than your CASH FLOW?

If you're a businessman, we know how
difficult it is to keep neat and efficient ac-
counting records. Let our VERSATILE
systems do it for you. You'll have a com-
plete system built into a single cabinet, and
a free software library on diskette to get
your computer working for you the first
day. $3295 Assembled and tested.

WHAT ELSE DOES A COMPLETE
SYSTEM NEED?

5460 Fairmont Drive •Wilmington, Delaware 19808 *302-738-0933

Contact Our Distributors for
Regional Sales and Service

Alexander & Co., Inc.
5518 Florin Road
Sacramento, CA 95823
(916)422-9070

Huron Electronics
415 N. Silver
Bad Axe, Mich. 48413
(517) 269-9267

The Computer Store
3801 Kirby Dr., Suite 432
Houston, Texas 77098
(713) 522-7845

Southeast Representative:

Scientific Sales Co.

175 W. Wieuca, Suite 210
Atlanta, GA 30342
(404) 252-6808

DealerApplications Available.

COMPUTER DATA SYSTEMS

SOFTWARE LIBRARY

Five diskettes are included to give you
immediate operating and programming
capabilities.

DISK 1 is a master diskette with BASIC,
MDOS, Text Editor, Assembler and
more!

DISK 2 has many games including LUNAR,
CRAPS, and SPLAT. There's room left
for you to add your own.

DISK 3 contains a Small Business Account-
ing package which includes Accounts
Payable and Receivable, Inventory, a
General Ledger, and more.

DISKS 4 & 5 are blank so you may add

your own programs.

Clean It up with
a VERSATILE 3B

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 8

INTERFACE AGE 7

DYNABYTE COMPUTERS
ARE ALL BUSINESS
INSIDE AND OUT.

When we designed our new small
business computers, we meant busi-
ness.

As basic as that seems, it is unique.
Just about every other microcomputer
being sold as a small business system
today was originally designed as a kit
for hobbyists.

Every design decision was made
with quality and reliability in mind. The
result is dependable performance and a
solid appearance for business, profes-
sional and scientific applications.

FIRST SMALL SYSTEM WITH
BIG SYSTEM STORAGE

Many applications handle large
quantities of information, so the DB8/2
uses two quad density 5-inch disk
drives with our exclusive Dual Density
Disk Controller for up to 1 .2 megabytes
of formatted storage. That’s more
capacity than two single density 8-inch
drives.

If you need more storage, our
DB8/4 has two 8-inch drives with up to
2 megabytes capacity, more than any
other dual floppy disk system on the
market.

OUR SOFTWARE IS
BIG ON BUSINESS

Dynabyte helps you get down to
business immediately. The DB8/2 is the
first microcomputer to offer enough
storage capacity on 5-inch drives to
fully utilize CP/M,* the most widely
accepted disk operating system. We
also supply and support BASIC, FOR-

* CPfM i» a trademark of Digital Research

TRAN and COBOL programming lan-
guages. Our applications packages in-
clude general ledger, accounts receiv-
able, word processing and many other
CP/M compatible programs.

Reliability is a big consideration in
buying a business computer, so we built
it in. Our edge connectors meet military
specifications, the toughest electronics
manufacturing standard. Our regulated
power supply is designed to meet U.L.
standards, which means the entire sys-
tem runs cool and dependable. And our
cast aluminum enclosures are rugged as
well as attractive.

AND THE BIGGEST
THING OF ALL

Customer support. Our support
starts at the factory with testing and
bum-in programs that assure the entire
integrated system is reliable prior to
shipment. Our completely modular de-
sign allows continuing support in the
field. We maintain a bonded inventory
of all sub-system modules which means
we can deliver replacement sub-
assemblies overnight nearly anywhere
in the continental U.S.

Dynabyte built in little things, too.
Like a fully-populated 12-slot
backplane, switched AC outlets for ac-
cessories, an option for European
power, quiet whisper fans with long-life
metal construction, lighted indicator
switches for Power On and Halt, a
shielded enclosure to protect disk drives
from electro-mechanical interference,
and a fully enclosed power supply for

operator safety.

Since we didn't cut comers in de-
sign, the price/performance ratios of
our systems make good business sense.

THE INSIDE FACTS

The DB8/2 Computer System in-
cludes two 5-inch disk drives either
single or double sided for up to 1.2
megabytes of mass storage; a 4MHz
Z-80 processing module with one
parallel and two serial ports, an
EPROM programmer and up to 4k
ROM; 32k of RAM. a 12-slot fully-
populated backplane; our exclusive
Dual Density Disk Controller, and
CP/M.

The DB8/1 Computer includes a
4MHz Z-80 processor with one parallel
and two serial I/O ports, an EPROM
programmer and up to 4k of ROM; 32k
RAM, and a 12-slot fully-populated
backplane.

The DB8/4 Disk System, designed
to be the mass storage companion to the
DB8/1 , includes two 8-inch floppy disk
drives in either single or double sided
configuration for up to 2 megabytes of
mass storage, our Dual Density Disk
Controller, and CP/M.

All three units will be available in
rack mount models.

For a descriptive brochure and
price list, call or write Dynabyte, 1005
Elwell Court, Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Phone (415) 965-1010.

Or better yet, see your local dealer.

YOU CAN DEPEND ON IT.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 16

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 9

Z- 80 program. George has helped us a great deal in
removing some of the bugs that crept into the develop-
ment of the standard. Mykro manufactures a K.C I/O
Cassette Recorder Interface. The interface comes com-
pletely assembled with a bonus of the object tape of
IAPS. The Mykro interface and IAPS make it possible to
get the most out of your system in making totally port-
able tapes and reading IAPS formatted Floppy ROMs.

The Mykro interface is available for $129.00 by con-
tacting George Sutton, Mykro Corporation, P.O. Box
433, Los Altos, CA 94022 or calling (408) 733-8221.

ANOTHER CONSULTANT ANSWERS CALL

In my August column I requested anyone who is in the
consultant business to drop me a note, and I have now
been getting responses.

The most recent that we have found is Marvin Mallon
of Compu-Quote. Marvin’s speciality is business and in-
dustrial applications. Working with a number of area
dealers, he is able to provide a total service from estab-
lishing the hardware to preparing the application. For
anyone interested in Mr. Mallon’s service, he can be
contacted at:

Compu-Quote
6914 Berquist Avenue
Canoga Park, CA 91307
(213) 348-3662

I would like to hear from consultants in the midwest
and east, so if you’re in the business, drop me a note.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS: CAN WE HAVE THEM?

Those of you who were at Personal Computing in
Philadelphia this year probably recognize the head as
the title of my talk.

Essentially, I was alluding to the impractability of
thinking that business systems which will handle all the

necessary accounting problems can be obtained for 600
dollars. Unfortunately, the industry has been giving the
impression that the general business computer user
can expect to have the same level of expectation from a
600 dollar micro as from a 25 thousand dollar mini or a
multi million dollar maxi. It just ain’t so!

Microcomputers are in the third generation of iron
development but still in the last half of the first genera-
tion software. However, there is hope due to the efforts
of many of the systems software designers and the
growth of application designers. But regardless of how
well these people do their jobs, the 600 dollar business
machine will not exist.

Consequently, it is extremely important that not only
the user educate himself but the vendor of business
systems do so also. Pretending that high level cap-
ability, flexibility and reliability can be found in less than
adequate machines is foolhardy on everybody’s part.

The consumer computer is another area in which the
industry has been fooling the public. The consumer
computer is not a fact or even a probable reality in the
foreseeable future. The reason for this is very clear in
my mind. Why would anyone buy three thousand dollars
worth of hardware to do a job that a ten dollar timer from
the hardware store will do equally as well? Or as one
reader that I talked to put it: “My wife doesn’t even
balance the checkbook now, so how can I expect her to
do it on a computer?”

Even though I enjoy computers more than most, I really
think that putting them into all aspects of daily life
would be a travesty rather than a help. Already we have
become too oriented to relying on so-called work saving
devices than on our own initiative. Personally I think it
would be better to keep the computer in business and
industry and maintain our personal abilities as humans.

—carl

NEW BESTSELLERS -

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MICROPROCESSORS: from chips to systems

By Rodnay Zaks, 416 pp. ref C201

$9.95

USED WORLDWIDE as UNIVERSITY text. A comprehensive, yet
detailed and clear Introduction to all aspects ol microprocessors
How they work. The ROM. RAM. PIO. UART. How to interconnect.
System development.

new. How to program microprocessors, with 6502 examples:
arithmetic, input-output, peripherals. Interrupts. An educational
text requiring no prior programming knowledge, yet useful to
those wanting to learn about specific programming techniques
Applicable to PET, KIM. VIM, APPLE.

MICROPROCESSOR INTERFACING TECHNIQUES

By Austin Lesea and Rodnay Zaks. 416 pp, ref C207. $9.95

ALSO USED WORLDWIDE AS UNIVERSITY TEXT. How to connect to
all the usual peripherals, from keyboard to floppy disk, including
A/D. displays, standard busses (RS232. SlOO, IEEE 488) and
dynamic RAMs.

TO ORDER

• BY PHONE: call (415)848-8233
BankAmericard/Mastercharge accepted

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10 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 56

OCTOBER 1978

Everybody with brains
is buying Radio Shack’s

$ 599 personal computer:

the smart new way to save money and time!

fessional full-size 53-key
keyboard.

ACT NOW' Get details and order today at
Rad'O Sback stores and dealers >n the
USA Canada UK Australia Belgium
Germany Holland France Japan Write
Rao<o Shack D'v-sion ot Tandy Corpora-
t on Dep f C-G38 '&QQ One Tandy Center
p or» Worth Texas 7 6i02 Ask *o r Catalog
TRS-80

Prices n'av vary at naivdua- stores aor oeaiers

Available in stock at Radio Shack —
there's a store or dealer near you!

Service? We've got it.
Software? Available, and
more to come. Peripher-
als? Order our printers,
disk drive, added mem-
ory. Happy customers?

By the thousands. Be-
cause the benefits — aside
from our breakthrough
low price — include ex-
pandability, field-proven
dependability, and con-
sumer confidence in
Radio Shack and its par-
ent Tandy Corporation.

Radio /haek

The biggest name in little computers

Radio Shack's ex-
pandable TRS-80®
system is already the
best-selling microcompu-
ter in the world. For three
sman reasons. People are
brainy enough to grasp its
usefulness. People find it
exceptionally affordable.
And because it’s available
from stock in our stores.
It’s that simple!

TRS-80 reduces office paperwork.

Office use? Busi-
nessmen are quick to
realize the time TRS-80
saves in paperwork, in
updating reports, in
bypassing the company's
mainframe system. A
satisfied CPA writes of
creating "a low-cost in-
house system that will al-
leviate our present needs
for service bureaus.

Laboratory work is simplified.

Another customer con-
siders “using the TRS-80
for controlling industrial
equipment in the plant.”
Another has programmed
“income tax and plotted
Dow Jones averages for
last year . . . with no
previous computer
experience."

Home use? It's like
one of the family. Radio
Shack’s TRS-80 can plan
menus, convert mea-
surements, balance bank
books, update budgets,
tutor the kids in math.
TRS-80 will even enter-
tain you — it loves
to play games!

Scientific use?
TRS-80 is the ideal lab
assistant. Program it
to catalog specimens,
classify drugs, perform
the numerous statistical
and data manipulation
needs of clinical labs.

It's expandable, too — add-on RAM.
ROM, plus printers and a disk drive!

Easy to use? Yes!
Radio Shack's 232-page
programming manual
has won plaudits from
doctors, lawyers, ac-
countants, technicians,
and teachers. If you can
type, TRS-80 has a pro-

mm mo to m oa an

« IK III W . _ ...

««« »M <U» u , I! JJJ

s-5S is?;"*-*

mis » m «m

&

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 11

Is personal
computing
worth it?

We want your answers at the NCC 79
Personal Computing Festival.

New York City, June 4—7

Has personal computing been worthwhile for
you? Every aspect of this fast-growing field is
being questioned. ..from the effort to generalize a
subroutine to the cost of the latest hardware. What
are your views?

Some key questions about personal computing
need answers. How is personal computing en-
riching our lives and those of our families and
associates? What is its potential? What are we
getting for our investments in this field? Is it worth
the time, effort, cost. ..even the criticism?

JOIN THE PERSONAL COMPUTING FESTIVAL

You can answer these and other questions by
participating in the Personal Computing Festival
of the 1979 National Computer Conference, the

most comprehensive computer show on earth.
Here's how you can participate:

• Present a paper

• Give a talk

• Organize a panel

• Deliver a tutorial

• Demonstrate your application and equipment
The deadline for receipt of letters of intent to

participate is February 1 , 1979. Accepted
papers will be published in the 1979 NCC
Personal Computing Proceedings. Honors and
prizes will be awarded for the best papers and
application demonstrations.

For more details, fill in and return this coupon.

NCC 79

Personal Computing Festival

c/o American Federation of Information

Processing Societies, Inc.

210 Summit Avenue, Montvale, New Jersey 07645

I

I

I

201/391-9810
Send me more details on:

□ Participating in a Personal Computing Festival session.

□ Demonstrating my personal computing application.

□ Keeping me up-to-date on the Personal Computing Festival.

□ Exhibiting my company's products and services at the Personal
Computing Festival.

Name

Company

Street

City

State

Zip

IA

I

I

I

12 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 40

OCTOBER 1978

In performance. In quality. In availability. OEMs, educa-
tors, engineers, hobbyists, students, industrial users:
Our Versatile Interface Module, SYM-1, is a fully-
assembled, tested and warranted microcomputer board
that’s a true single-board computer, complete with
keyboard and display. All you do is provide a +5V
power supply and SYM-1 gives you the rest— and that
includes fast delivery and superior quality.

Key features include:

• Hardware compatibility with KIM-1 (MOS Technol-
ogy) products.

• Standard interfaces include audio cassette with
remote control; both 8 bytes/second (KIM) and 185
bytes/second (SYM-1) cassette formats; TTY and
RS232; system expansion bus; TV/KB expansion
board interface; four I/O buffers; and an oscilloscope
single-line display.

To place your order now, contact your local area distributor or dealer.

OEM Distributors

Kierulff Electronics

Sterling Electronics (Seattle only)

Zeus Components

Century/Bell

Lionex

Hallmark

Intermark Electronics
Quality Components

OCTOBER 1978

• 28 double-function keypad with audio response.

• 4K byte ROM resident SUPERMON monitor includ-
ing over 30 standard monitor functions and user
expandable.

• Three ROM/EPROM expansion sockets for up to
24K bytes total program size.

• IK bytes 2114 static RAM, expandable to 4K bytes
on-board and more off-board.

• 501/0 lines expandable to 70.

• Single +5V power requirements.

• Priced attractively in single unit quantities; available
without keyboard/display, with OEM discounts for
larger quantities.

Synertek Systems
Corporation.

150 160 N. Wolfe Road, Sunnyvale, California 94086
(408) 988-5690.

Technico
General Radio
Western Microtechnology
Future Electronics
Alliance Electronics
Arrow Electronics

Personal Computer Dealers

Newman Computer Exchange
Ann Arbor. Michigan

CIRCLE INQUIRY t

Technico

Columbia. Maryland
Computeriand
Mayfield Heights, Ohio
RNB Enterprises
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Computer Shop
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Computer Cash
Anchorage, Alaska

Ancrona

Culver City California
General Radio
Camden. New Jersey
Advanced Computer Products
Santa Ana. California
Computer Components
Van Nuys, California
Alltronics

San Jose, California

INTERFACE AGE 13

SYM-1.

Finally, a dependable microcomputer board.

THE W

COLUMN

By Sandra Evans, Assistant Editor

It seems impossible to read an article about the future
use of computers without becoming caught up in the
realm of possibilities rather than actualities. There are
so many possibilities in any one field that our lives will
certainly be affected greatly by these machines in the
coming years. Take a moment to consider the article en-
titled “The Auto Industry Moves to Microprocessors” by
Robert S. Koster and Leslie D. Ball.

Koster and Ball discuss the microprocessor’s use in
the automobile as a control function and monitoring
device. Currently the auto industry is experimenting
with ignition and transmission systems. However, the
authors make an interesting move from the actualities
of engine control into the more thought provoking realm
of possibility. Their discussion of alcohol interlock sys-
tems, automatic radar brakes and brain wave monitoring
devices causes one to lean back a moment and think.

Given the technology, wouldn’t it be possible for com-
puters to advance to such a state that all mechanical
processes could be monitored and adjusted? Then
wouldn’t it be a logical step to computerize the auto to
deal with all interaction between occupants and car? And
finally, if brain wave scanning were a fact, couldn’t the
car be programmed to react to both human physiology
and psychology?

If it could, the car might be programmed to your own
particular needs and tastes.

When purchasing a car, you would not only be faced
with the normal options of vinyl interior, AM/FM radio,
power steering or disk brakes. You would also be con-
fronted with options which could control every move-
ment within the automobile. You could literally create
your own personalized car. Naturally the microproces-
sor would monitor and maintain engine performance.
But what about luxury?

Suppose you’re the sporty type. Now you order a sports
car with dual overhead cams and a racing stripe. But you
may one day be able to order a car which could actually
simulate racing conditions. Driving the freeway could be
like driving the Indianapolis Raceway. Not only would your
car be outfitted like a race driver’s, it would also simulate
speed, vibrate, provide you with squeals in stereo, and
turn corners as if you were driving on two wheels.

Behavior modification could also fit in nicely with this
idea of personalized driving. If your driving needs to be
improved, why not program your auto to zap you with an
electrical shock when you make those quick left hand
turns or tailgate the car in front of you? And if you main-
tain the inconsiderate habit of lane changing without
signaling, you could program the car to turn on a gentle
seat massage when you do remember to use your blinker.

Whatever your image is, whatever your desires are,
the car of the future waits for you. The options are yours.
How will you design it?D

alpha

micro

See the exciting 16-bit world of Alpha
Micro at your local Alpha Micro dealer.

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U INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

Can you upgrade to 16 -bits
on a tight budget?

Of course!

Let me introduce you to the 16-bit
world of Alpha Micro. Consider all the
advantages of upgrading your present
8-bit system with the first fully integrated
concept of hardware and software. A
concept that provides all the features of
a 16-bit minicomputer, yet retains all the
flexibility, peripheral options, and low
cost of S-100 bus systems.

Now you can have much of the sophis-
tication that was previously restricted to
only the mini’s . . . Multi-User. Multi-Tasking.
Time-Sharing, Memory Management,
Disk-File Management, and yes, Periph -
eral Independence.

Come on. Join Alpha Micro's 16-bit
world . . .You can do it on an 8-bit budget.
Five subsystems let you expand your 8-bit

system capability as your needs, and your
budget, allow;

AM-100 16-bit CPU.Two board S-100
bus compatible microprocessor set. com-
plete with software — a year and a half
field proven reliability.

AM-200 Floppy Disk Controller.
S-100 bus compatible supports PerSci
277 and Wangco 87 disk drives.

AM-300 Six Port Serial I/O. S-100
bus compatible provides six fully pro
grammable RS-232 ports.

AM-400 Hard Disk Subsystem. S-100
bus compatible interface and CALCOMP
Trident series drives (25. 50, 80. 200 and
300 megabyte configurations).

AM-500 Hard Disk Subsystem. S-100
bus compatible formatter- controller and

CDC Hawk 10 megabyte hard disk drive.

All Alpha Micro systems are fully soft-
ware supported including the new com-
pletely integrated, minicomputer class
accounting system which consists of sev-
eral hundred programs.

For more information see your local
Alpha Micro dealer or write or call.

alpha
— k micro

17881 Sky Park North
Irvine. California 92714
(714)957-1404

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 2

INTERFACE AGE 15

HIGH RELIABILITY
MEMORY BOARD
FOR THE S-1 00 BUS

IDEAL FOR CROMEMCO
64K DISC SYSTEMS

Fully meets proposed
IEEE Standard

Specially designed for the new high speed
disc systems using DMA and Time Sharing

16K PLUS

• Bank Select

This feature allows running up to 51 2K of RAM and multiple
users on your system. It is fully compatible with Cromemco
software, using output port 40H.

• Parallel Addressing Feature

You may choose to locate blocks of RAM at more than one
address simultaneously. This feature is ideal for mixing North
Star software, which begins at 2000H, with other software
beginning at 0000H. With parallel addressing you can locate
blocks of RAM in the lowest 8K and at some higher address at the
same time.

• High Reliability

Reliability begins at Seattle Computer Products with proper
design. All inputs to the board have Schmitt triggers which
provide superior noise immunity. Next, we select only first quality
components for assembly. To catch infant mortality, we test all
boards following assembly, fully burn them in, and then retest at
full operating speed. Rigorous quality control is used throughout
the manufacturing process.

• Fully Static TMS 4044

These Texas Instruments 4K by 1 fully static memory chips
require no critical clocks or refresh. They allow a straight-forward,
clean design ensuring S-1 00 bus DMA compatibility.

250 nsec, chips — *445
450 nsec, chips — * 410

The 16K PLUS board is offered fully assembled and tested

Guaranteed: USA customers — parts and labor guaranteed
for one full year. You may return undamaged board within ten
days for a full refund (factory orders only — dealer return policy
may vary). Foreign and kit purchasers — parts only
guaranteed; no return privilege.

Check with your local computer dealer

If our board is not in his stock, he can get one in three to five
days.

Factory Orders — You may phone for VISA, MC, COD
orders. ($3 handling charge for COD orders only) Purchase
orders accepted from recognized institutions. Personal checks
OK but must clear prior to shipment. Shipped prepaid with
cross-country orders sent by air. Shipping — normally 48-72
hours. Washington residents add 5.4% tax. Spec, sheet,
warranty statement sent upon request.

Standard S-1 00 Memory

Our standard 16K RAM boards using the TMS 4044 have
been reduced in price. This is the same board sold worldwide to
satisfied customers since January.

Seattle Computer Products, Inc

1*^ 1114 Industry Drive, Seattle, WA. 98188

(206) 255-0750

250 nsec, chips
450 nsec, chips

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 49

16 INTERFACE AGE

Dear Editor:

After rereading the four parts of
Roger Williams' article I still think
all I have read is a term paper on
computers in business. Lots of
"WHY” but very little “HOW”.

Part four says all anyone needs is
a programmer who is fluent in all the
program languages known to man, a
systems analyst with a PhD in E.S.P.
along with a lifetime each in busi-
ness and computer systems. Sys-
tem software that can run on any-
thing from a TRS-80 to IBM 370.
Applications programs so good they
don’t need a CPU. Along with all the
source code. NUTS.

Why is it on page 16 (August) Dr.
Osborne says “no naming names” yet
on page 42 TDL and XITAN get it?

Could you have Dr. Osborne put
an "X" by those manufacturers, in
your advertiser index each month,
who are unsound?

Anyone have something to say?

Bob Distler
(805) 487-7422
P.O. Box 6376
Oxnard, CA 93031

Before Bob sent me this letter, he
called to discuss his general philo-
sophy regarding the state of the art
in general and data processing spe-
cifically. One of the questions he
brought up on the phone was why
everything is disk oriented and did
we know of anyone who could give
him a "crash” proof argument to sup-
port the use of disks and disks only.
He also brought up some other ideas
and gave us what we feel to be unique
insights. Hopefully sometime early
next year he will be providing you
with some of his expertise in the com-
puter field in the form of a column
called RHD, which happens to be his
initials and the name of a tape handl-
ing program that he has written.

In the meantime Bob would very
much like to hear from you either by
phone or letter. And believe me it
will be a worthwhile experience.

Dear Editor:

A few notes from a satisfied Cana-
dian reader:

1. Items move faster through our
mail system if you include the
Postal Code. This is that funny
series of letters and numbers

that appear after the province.
My postal code is V6S 1B2.
Note that the format is letter,
number, letter, space, number,
letter number. Although thjs
may not be quite as simple as
your ZIP code, it does mean
that a letter addressed:

Andrew Bates,

Canada V6S 1 B2
will be delivered to me. The
postal code pinpoints the side
of the street in a residential
block or even the floor of a
building in a business district.
How’s that for precise!
Software writers take note: We
Canadians need at least 6 char-
acters for the postal code and
4 characters for the province
(state). And if you are going to
check the ZIP for all numbers,
please put the check in a sub-
routine so we can replace it
with a suitable check for our
postal code.

2. WATTS lines do not cross inter-
national borders (at least that
is what the telephone operator
told me). This means that we
people in Canada can't phone
you for free like everyone else
can. How about letting your
people accept collect phone
calls from Canada, only so we
can use A.G. Bell’s famous in-
vention, instead of having to
spend hours slugging away at
the old typewriter and then
waiting for what is an erratic
mail service on both sides of
the border.

3. Another small request for soft-
ware writers who are mailing
things to Canada: If your pack-
age costs $75.00 and is distri-
buted on North Star diskette,
for instance, please mark the
customs declaration as:

DISKETTE $6.00

PRINTED MATTER $69.00

If you mark the price as $75.00
we end up paying duty on the
diskette as though it cost
$75.00. Printed matter comes
across the border duty free and
there is no duty on an item of
less than $10.00 value.

Thanks for listening.

Andrew Bates
Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Andrew, your points are well taken
and we would imagine that a number
of manufacturers are listening to
what you are saying. Yes, the mail is
bad and phone rates high, but to get
the business a WATTS line would be
an excellent idea.

Dear Editor:

Thank you for Floppy ROM™ No.
4 and IAPS™.

After keying program 4 with some
corrections my system was able to
decode the Floppy ROM. Then the
program source file was read as in-
put to BASIC. I am very pleased to
say that it worked flawlessly.

My personal use Altair 8800b does
not have a disk system yet so I was
not able to use the programs. Hope-
fully future Floppy ROMs may have
non-disk applications.

Equipment used:

Altair 8800b with24Kof memory
MITS BASIC version 4.1
MITS 2SIO serial I/O
Panasonic stereo system
(receiver with turntable)

Sony TC 205 portable cassette

A few checksum errors occurred
until I advanced the volume control
just slightly. No other problems.

John B. Palmer
Boonville, CA

John, we thank you for the kind
words, and your letter is representa-
tive of a little over 400 we have re-
ceived to date on Floppy ROM 44
and IAPS. Most of the users appear
to like the IAPS idea and have pro-
vided us with a great deal of input on
how to improve it.

If you were lucky enough to be at
PCC '78 in Philadelphia this year,
you probably heard Bill Turner, the
inventor of IAPS define the com-
plete standard in his talk. If not, we
are going to publish the talk and
guidebook to IAPS in the November
issue. Beginning with the January
1979 issue all Floppy ROMs will be
in the IAPS format, plus we will
begin asking for software articles to
be accompanied by a cassette tape
at 300 baud and in the IAPS format.

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 17

Dear Editor:

Reference the article by Dr. Jerald
L. Ripley, ‘‘DEBBI — A User Report”
in the June 1978 issue, I too have used
DEBBI for several months and would
like to question one of Dr. Ripley's
problems and point out others.

There are six versions of DEBBI,
each designed to run on one of the
following microcomputer systems:
Intel MDS, SBC 80/10 or 8/20, MITS /
Altair, IMSAI, PolyMorphic or Sol. I
use the IMSAI (-58) version in a Vec-
tor One with iCOM 3712 dual disk
drives, but since Dr. Ripley did not
state which version he used, some
of the following comments may not
be valid for his version.

The solution to the first problem
mentioned, slow loading from disk
due to a listing on the console is to
enter Control/0 following the
DLOAD command. This suppresses
all output until another Control/0 is
entered and is documented on page
5-29 of the DEBBI manual.

DEBBI Is definitely a version of
MITS/ALTAIR/Micro Soft BASIC, as
Pertec now owns both MITS and
iCOM. This brings us to what I con-
sider DEBBI’s greatest shortcoming,
its lack of random files and ability to
have open only one input and one
output file at any one time. Accord-
ing to one of iCOM's software peo-
ple, this lack of disk I/O flexibility
was left out of DEBBI so it would not
compete directly with MITS BASIC
in the business applications market.

In summary, DEBBI is an excellent
extended BASIC, with lots of whistles
and bells, but seems to fall short of
a usable disk BASIC. In addition,
iCOM's documentation of both DEBBI
and FDOS-III has several minor errors
and is not as complete as one would
wish; however, a letter or phone call
to them should get you corrections
for all the known mistakes.

I hope that this information is of
interest to some of your readers and
that Dr. Ripley does not take offense
at any of my comments regarding
his article.

R.E. Wilson
Dallas, TX

DEBBI is a reasonable extended
BASIC, but as we were working on
Dr. Ripley's article we found it
necessary to call Pertec and ask
for their thoughts. They also felt it
was a reasonable BASIC but fell

short of their expectations as a disk
BASIC. It appears that the general
feeling among other readers is that
there is much better available so
why even consider DEBBI at this
stage of the game.

Dear Editor:

Can anyone tell me how two or
more persons all using their own
TRS-80 can play games over the
phone lines so each person’s video
shows the same thing and reacts
identically? Please specify how to
make or where to buy any additional
hardware that may be required.

Also, it’s really frustrating to want
to use a LI program and can’t be-
cause you have Lll. In most cases, I
don’t know how to re-do my LI tapes
so they'll run on Lll. I've got 16K Lll
and most of my LI tapes still come
back with “program too long" after
using the conversion tape on them.

Can anyone tell me how to easily
change my Lll back to LI and vice
versa or know of anyone who has de-
veloped an inexpensive device to do
this without having to bother with LI
to Lll tape conversions?

Sharon Jackson
P.O. Box 621
Fenton, MO 63026

Sharon, that's a thought provok-
ing idea. Somebody has probably
figured out how to set up a com-
munications net for the TRS-80, only
we haven't heard about it yet. If any
TRS-80 user group has worked on
this let Sharon know and us too.

Dear Editor:

As soon as I get your magazine, I
read Adam Osborne’s From the
Fountainhead because his candor is
much needed in the hobbyist com-
puter market.

But not his June 1978 column. He
omitted Step Zero which is crucial
and absolutely essential. Step Zero
is the question: Do you want a com-
puter for games or for business? If
anyone wants a computer for busi-
ness, then he wants to buy a Wang,
a Hewlett Packard, an IBM, etc.

There is no business computer in
the hobbyist market.

There is no business computer in
the personal market in spite of all of
the bally-hoo about the business ap-
plications and professional uses.

56 GREAT LOCATIONS

ComputerLand

unw nPFu 1

NOW OPEN:

ALABAMA

Huntsville

12051 539-1200

CALIFORNIA

Dublin

14151828-8090

El Cerrito

1415) 233-5010

Heyward

(415) 538-8080

Los Altos

(4151941-8154

Los Anfleles

(213) 776-8080

Mission Viejo

(714) 770-0131

Sen Bernardino

(7141 886-6838

Sen Diego

(7141 560-9912

Sen Francisco

(415) 546-1592

Sen Jose

(408) 253-8080

Sen Mateo

(415)5728080

Santa Rosa

(707) 528-1775

Thousand Oaks

(805) 495-3554

Lawndale

(213) 371-7144

Tustin

(714) 544-0542

Walnut Creek

(415) 9358502

COLORADO

Colorado Springs

Call Directory Assistance

Denver

(303) 7594685

CONNECTICUT

Fairfield

(203) 374-2227

DELAWARE

Newark

(302) 738-9656

FLORIDA

Boca Raton

Call Directory Assistance

Ft. Lauderdale

Call Directory Assistance

GEORGIA

Atlanta

(404)963-0406

HAWAII

Honolulu

Call Directory Assistance

ILLINOIS

Arlington Heights

(312) 2558488

Downers Grove

(312) 5608193

Niles

(312)967-1714

Oak Lawn

1312) 4228080

Peoria

Call Directory Assistance

INDIANA

Ft. Wayne

Call Directory Assistance

KENTUCKY

Louisville

(502) 4258308

MARYLAND

Rockville

(301)948-7676

MICHIGAN

Grand Rapids

(6161 942-2931

Detroit

(313)356-8111

MINNESOTA

Bloomington

(6121 884-1474

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Nashua

1603) 889-5238

NEW JERSEY

Cherry Hill

(609) 795-5900

Bergen County

(2011 846-9303

Morristown

(201) 5394077

NEW YORK

Buffalo

(716)836-6511

Ithaca

(607) 2774888

NO. CAROLINA

Charlotte

(704) 5368500

OHIO

Cleveland

(218)461-1200

OREGON

Portland

(603) 6208170

PENNSYLVANIA

Harrisburg

(717) 736-1116

TEXAS

Austin

(5121452-5701

Dallas

Call Directory Assistance

Houston

(713) 9778909

WASHINGTON

Bellevue

(206) 746-2070

Federal Way

1206) 838 9363

Tacoma

(206) 5818388

WASHINGTON. D.C.

Call Directory Assistance

WISCONSIN

Madison

16081 273-2020

INTERNATIONAL

Sydney, NSW Australia 29-3753

Winnipeg. Canada

Call Directory Assistance

18 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

BEFBBE YOU BUY COMPITa l, UJSITl

COMPUTERS
FOR THE HOME

You'll find educational materials to give
you a total insight into the world of
microcomputers.

You II find a fully equipped service
deportment to provide whatever assistance
is required to keep your computer running
in top-notch condition. You II find computer
user's clubs to join, where you can share
ideas with people as enthusiastic os
yourself. And, with each new visit, you'll
find excitement— from the people you deal
with, the equipment they offer, and from
your own ever-growing personal
involvement.

And now we come to you, which leads
us right back to where we started: If you
want a computer, then we want to be
your computer store.

Whether you want a computer for the
home, business or industry, come to
ComputerLand first. We ll make it easy for
you to own your first computer. Because,
simply put, we really want your business.
When you come right down to it, that's
what makes us #1.

If the truth Is that you want o
computer . . . then we want to be your
computer store.

We re ComputerLand, the #V
computer store chain in the U.S. What's
meaningful about that fact is, that
ComputerLand has been chosen by more
people as having what they've been
looking for. And, since you're looking, let
us tell you what you'll find, when you visit
a ComputerLand store.

You'll find a product line that's
continually evaluated to provide you with
the widest and best selection in quality,
brand name microcomputers anywhere.
You'll find an enthusiastic and
knowledgeable staff able to interpret all
the equipment specifications, in terms of
how they apply to you, and in a way
you'll understand. You'll find demonstration
areas where you con get a firsthand
experience of running a computer yourself.

COMPUTERS
FOR RUSINESS

Enough about us. How about what
computers do. To attempt to describe all
the things your computer might do, would
be to describe your imagination. So
instead, we ll briefly list some of the many
things for which small computers are
already being used.

In business, the advent of the
versatile and compact microcomputer has
put the benefits of computing within reach
of small companies. With systems starting
at less than $ 6000 , the businessman con

computerize things like accounting,
inventory control, record keeping, word
processing and more. The net result is the
reduction of administrative overhead and
the improvement of efficiency which allows
the business to be managed more
effectively.

In the home, a computer can be used
for personal budgeting, tracking the stock
market, evaluating investment opportunities,
controlling heating to conserve energy,
running security alarm systems, automating
the garden's watering, storing recipes,
designing challenging gomes, tutoring the
children . . . and the list goes on.

In industry, the basic applications are
in engineering development, process
control, and scientific and analytical work.
Users of microcomputers in industry
hove found them to be reliable, cost-
effective tools which provide computing
capability to many who would otherwise
have to wait for time on a big computer,
or work with no computer at all.

COMPUTERS
FOR IHDUSTRY

WE KNOW SMALL COMPUTERS

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 9 14400 Catalina St., San Leandro, CA 94577 (415) 895-9363 • Franchise Opportunities Available

Shugart invented the minifloppy in 1976.

Today there are more than 100.000 of the little drives
in use. That's because users want the affordable
random access data storage of the minifloppy.

Shugart packs years of proven floppy
drive technology into this tiny package. Up to 110
kbytes of data storage. Fast random access of
about one-half second. And high speed data trans-
fer of 125 kbits per second. Plus sensible,
maintenance-free features like write protect to
prevent accidental data loss, an activity light to
indicate when the drive is selected by your
computer and a door interlock to protect your
media from damage.

Our proprietary read /write head provides
maximum data interchange margins, and it is

positioned precisely on the selected track by a
patented spiral cam actuator. The DC drive motor
with integral tachometer assures accurate diskette
rotation and low heat dissipation. A die cast
aluminum base plate provides a solid foundation
for the drive.

At Shugart, technology leadership is more
than a slogan, it's a commitment. Get reliability
and value when you invest your money for floppy
disk storage. Ask for the standard of the industry,
minifloppy. If it isn't Shugart, it isn't minifloppy.

Shugart Associates

435 Oakmead Parkway, Sunnyvale, California 94086

See opposite page for list of manufacturers featuring Shugart’s minifloppy in their systems.
TM minifloppy Is registered trademark ol Shugart Associates

The kit computers, the hobby
computers, the personal computers,
are strictly tinker toys. They are al-
right for playing Star Trek, black-
jack, etc., but no one should attempt
to use them for anything serious.

We have 100 manufacturers for the
S-100 bus. None talk to the others. It
is positively amazing how little of
this gross incompatibility of parts is
ever mentioned in the computer
magazines.

Documentation is either non-
existent or stinks.

Service is a joke. Where do you
get boards serviced?

My North Star disks went down
for five weeks last summer, and
again for six weeks this summer.
There is no local repair shop. North
Star repaired them, but then left the
repaired units on their shelf for eight
days after fixing them, and then
shipped them surface UPS, instead
of Blue Label Air UPS! Is that any
way to run a business?

How do you tell employees that
they must wait for six weeks for
their paychecks because the payroll
program won’t work on a DOWN
computer?

I put $10,000 and two years of
work into my computer — my per-
sonal, hobbyist computer. So far, I
have had about one good month of
use out of it. To base a business on
this computer, one would have to
desire commercial suicide with pas-
sion.

A true commercial computer
(Wang, Hewlett Packard, IBM) costs
no more than hobbyist junk; it runs
as soon as you get it; the documen-
tation is excellent; it can be serviced
in a day; and it has business pro-
grams ready to run.

Edward L. Tottle
Baltimore, MD

The only thing that you can say
when the computer goes down on
payday is: "great expectations, can
you have them?" Probably not.

Dear Editor:

The Spain Rehabilitation Center
at the University of Alabama Medical
Center has a project underway to
demonstrate both the utility and
economic feasibility of the new gen-
eration of ‘personal’ computers for
use by the severely disabled. The

OCTOBER 1978

programmability of the computer
will allow it to serve as a general pur-
pose appliance to be used as an aid
to communication and education as
well as for environmental control
and entertainment.

This system, as currently envis-
ioned, will consist of a microcompu-
ter, an on-line storage device for pro-
grams and data, two T.V. monitors
for user feedback and information
display, a printing device for typed
output, a speech recognition device
for vocal input of commands, data,
and text, a powerline controller for
environmental control, and a tele-
phone dialing/answering device. We
are attempting to select compo-
nents which are widely distributed
and serviced as well as being plug
compatible and economically priced.

Programs will be written or pur-
chased to perform specific func-
tions in each of the four general
areas mentioned above. However,
we would be very interested in re-
ceiving ideas from your readers, par-
ticularly those who are disabled,
those who have disabled friends or
relatives, and those who have per-
sonal computers and would like to
develop hardware or software for the
system on their own, regarding spe-
cific functions which they would
like to see developed and which
could be accommodated by the pro-
posed microcomputer system.

We are sending this letter to sev-
eral publications and organizations
in order to reach as many people as
possible and are locking forward to
receiving input from anyone who
may be interested in this project.
Charles Healey, Research Associate
Spain Rehabilitation Center
U.A.B. University Station
Birmingham, AL 35294
(205) 934-3320

This sounds like a very worth-
while and exciting venture. So since
you included us in one of the
"many” publications, let’s see if
some of our readers will supply the
necessary input.

Dear Editor:

Help! I am a home brew computer
hobbyist who needs an operating
system. So I am writing to you in the
hope that you or one of INTERFACE

Look for
Sliugart drives

in personal
ompaater systems
made by these
companies.

Altos Computer Systems

2378-B Walsh Avenue
Santa Clara. CA 95050

Apple Computer

10260 Bandley Dr.
Cupertino. CA 95014

Digital Microsystems Inc.

(Formerly Digital Systems)
4448 Piedmont Ave.
Oakland. CA 94611

Imsai Mtg. Corporation

14860 Wicks Blvd.

San Leandro. CA 94577

Industrial Micro Systems

633 West Katella. Suite L
Orange. CA 92667

North Star Computer

2547 9th Street
Berkeley. CA 94710

Percom Data

318 Barnes
Garland. TX 75042

Polymorphic Systems

460 Warg Dr

Santa Barbara. CA 93111

Problem Solver Systems

20834 Lassen Street
Chatsworth. CA 91311

Processor Applications Limited

2801 E. Valley View Avenue
West Covina. CA 91792

SD Sales

3401 W. Kingsley
Garland. TX 75040

Smoke Signal Broadcasting

6304 Yucca
Hollywood. CA 90028

Technico Inc.

9130 Red Branch Road
Columbia. MD 21045

Texas Electronic Instruments

5636 Etheridge
Houston, TX 77087

Thinker Toys

1201 10th Street
Berkeley. CA 94710

Vista Computer Company

2807 Oregon Court
Torrence. CA 90503

Shugart Associates

INTERFACE AGE 21

MO€(^©MATD©M

AGE'S many readers will please
come to my rescue.

I have a home brew ‘8080’ based
computer system with a Sykes digi-
tal magnetic tape unit that I have in-
terfaced to look like a floppy disk.
But I cannot find an operating sys-
tem to use with it.

Is there any place a home brew
computer hobbyist can get a source
listing and maybe a paper tape copy
of a disk-type operating system to
use on a non-standard hobbyist
computer system using disk and/or
digital magnetic tape?

Glenn Moss
450 N. Mathilda, Apt. Q306
Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Yes, Glenn, there is. Many of the
magazines, including us have pub-
lished complete operating systems
that can be customized to meet a
specific need. We suggest that you
contact Jim Schreier, the man that
puts out the SSI Microcomputer
Software guide, at SSI, 4327 Grove
Street, Phoenix, AZ 85040, and order
his book for $7.95. It is the most
comprehensive book on available
software on the market today. If that
doesn't work we have published
your full address so other readers
can possibly help you out.

Dear Editor:

I read with interest the query of
Brother Meyerpeter and your reply
concerning the educational uses of
microcomputers.

I would highly recommend that
you contact Dr. John Hirschbuhl at
the University of Akron, Akron, Ohio.

He is by far the leading authority
in Computer Aided Education in the
United States and most probably,
the world.

For your future issue on this sub-
ject, John would prove to be your
best source for lead articles and the
review of other material. His exper-
tise ranges the entire spectrum from
psychology of learning and teaching
techniques to hardware and software.

John Hodges, President
Kent-Moore Instrument Co.

Pioneer, OH

We suggest all interested parties
should also contact him.

Dear Editor:

Re: HELP!

Being a computer enthusiast like
many others, I am very anxious in
setting up a computer hobbyist/com-
puter user’s club with the help of a
few of my friends. However, the situ-
ation here is not as favorable as might
be expected; firstly, most of us lack
the necessary technical backing, and
secondly, there is a severe shortage
of technically qualified personnel
who are able or free to help.

Hence I would be most obliged if
any of your readers, who are com-
mittee members of any clubs/socie-
ties, or anybody who might like to
help, can provide me with informa-
tion on how their club/societies
were started, how are their meetings
carried out/what they do during their
meetings, the problems they faced,
as well as any other tips and infor-
mation that might be helpful in the
course of setting up a club locally,
which may be the first in Singapore.

In anticipation of any form of help
anyone might provide, I would like to
thank him/her in advance.

Steven Goh
3, Bristol Road,
Singapore 8, Singapore

Steve, let's see if you get any
answers.

Dear Editor:

In the last issue we received (April
1978) you mentioned the beginning
of the microcomputer in Europe. We
would appreciate if you could let
readers from your magazine know
that we handle some of the U.S. pro-
ducts. We are handling Europe for
Meca Alpha-1, also TDL for Holland,
Selecterm and Central Data too.

Due to the fact that we buy cen-
trally, we can give our customers the
same price as they would have to
pay in the U.S., but of course we
have to add import duties, etc. This
relieves the customers of all these
problems.

We are trying to get more soft-
ware here and we are willing to co-
operate with readers in the U.S. to
swap information.

J. Boers

Medel B.V., P.O. Box 135
9300 AC Roden, Nederland
Tel: 05908- 18941

Consider it done.

The

DOUBLER

IS AVAILADLE from these dealers . . .

CALIFORNIA

DyteShop Derkeley4l5 845-6066

Byte Shop Son Diego 714 565-8008

Byte Shop Son Rafael 4 1 5 457-9311

Byte Shop Tustln 714 731-1686

Coast Computer Center

Costo Mesa 7 1 4 646-0507
Computer Components

Von Nuys 21 0 786-7411

ComputerLand EiCemto4i5 200-5010
The Computer Store

Santa Monica 210 451 -07 1 0

COLORADO

Byte Shop Boulder 000 444-6550

Byte Shop Denver 000 099-8995

Byte Shop.... Englewood 000 761-6202

FLORIDA

Byte Shop Ft. Louderdole 005 561 -2980
Byte Shop Miami 005 264-2980

GEORGIA

Byte Shop Atlanta 404 255-8984

ILLINOIS

ComputerLand Niies0i2 967-i7i4

KENTUCKY

Data Domain . . . Lexington 606 269-6902

NEBRASKA

The Computer Store

Omoho 402 592-0590

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Computer Mart . . Nashua 600 880-2086

NEW YORK

Computer Mart

New York City 212 686-7920
Computer Microsystems

Monhasset 5k 6 62 7 -2640
Mini Micro Mart Syracuse 015 422-4467

NORTH CAROLINA

DyteShop Rolelgh 919 800-0210

SOUTH CAROLINA

Computer People

Greenville 800 244-8069

TENNESSE

Computer Denn

Ook Ridge 615 482-1091

TEXAS

Computer Corner Amarillo 806 055-5618
Neighborhood Computer Store

Lubbock 806 797 • 1 468

... OR CONTACT YOUR FAVORITE
COMPUTER STORE.

MOCIMMATON

524 Union Street
Son Francisco, CA 94103
415 098-0289

22 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

Micromat ion hos done for the S-100
bus whot IDM did for the floppy disk.

Reliably doubled capacity.

Double Capacity

The DOUBLER — Micromation’s latest advance in floppy disk
technology — doubles the copacity of floppy disk systems.
Over 500 KBytes ore recorded on each side of on 8" disk.
This means bigger files for more powerful systems.

Double Speed

Data transfer with the DOUBLER is twice os fast — 500 Kbits
per second. And since there is twice os much doto on each
track, your drive steps only half os much — so your system
runs foster than it ever hos before!

Increased Reliability

That's right — even better reliability. Why? Because we did
it the IBM way. IBM designed 2D formatting — so it hos to
be reliable. Micromotion's innovative, state-of-the-art de-
sign incorporates write precompensation electronics ond o
phase lock oscillator on o single, oil digital, 5-100 circuit
board. So we guarantee the DOUBLER will be more de-
pendable than your present single density controller — ond
we worontee the DOUBLER for o full year.

Unbeatable Convenience

It couldn't be easier to step up to double density. The
DOUBLER operates automatically in either single or double
density. Just insert o diskette and you're running properly. You
con transfer files between single or double density diskettes
without any software or hardware changes — or even oper-
ate with one single ond one double density diskette.
Installation is o snap. There’s o hardware UART on board

ond the software is oil ready to go. An onboard 2708 EPROM
contains the bootstrap. There's even jump-on-reset circuitry
so you con operate without o front panel. And, of course,
we include utilities to format diskettes.

Universally Versatile

The DOUBLER will operate with oil industry-standard mini
ond full-sized drives. And it will work in any 8080 or Z-80
S-1 00 computer operating ot 2 to 4 MHz. The DOUBLER will
support up to four double or single headed drives.

Fully Compatible

The DOUBLER is compatible with CP/M* version 1 .4. If you
hove o CP/M* 1 .4 system, just odd our CBIOS — or you con
buy our reody-to-boot version, instoll the new controller,
connect ony terminal to the RS-232 interface, ond boot off
your new double-sized, double-speed system. You still con
use all your old software without ony changes.

Completely Affordable

All Micromotion products ore fully assembled, thoroughly
tested, include complete documentation, ond ore priced

for value:

DOUBLER double density controller $ 495.

MEGABOX dual drive double density system 2,295.

ZEPHER — Per Sci double density system 2,595.

Z-PLUS — MEGABOX 32 KZ-80 computer 4,295.

Available

The DOUBLER is ovoiloble NOW ot your local computer store.

Micromotion Inc. 524 Union Street Son Francisco Californio 94133/ 415 398-0289

Where there's always more in store. *cp/Mi»ot(odemo*o<Digiioi Research

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 31

We’ve gathered the family to show you why

PERCOM’s™ Number 1

in cassette data systems for microcomputers.

Pardon us for doing a little boasting, but we’re proud of our
family. Proud of each member’s reputation for performance and
reliability. And pleased that we can offer the best in cassette
data systems and data terminal interfacing at low, home-com-
puting prices.

It took more than guts and a little luck to
forge a position of leadership. We're
number 1 because you get more when
you buy PERCOM™. The reason, simply,
is experience. Every product described
in this ad is based on nearly 10 years of
crucial involvement in the design and
manufacture of computer peripherals
that use cassettes for mass storage.

Experience. It’s why we developed a
more reliable data cassette for home
computing. Why our interfacing units
provide both cassette and data terminal
interfacing. Why you get the fastest,
most reliable cassette data rates from
PERCOM™. Experience. It’s the reason
for PERCOM™.

INI II %
W him

it i ii in.

For your data storage — Pilon-30™
data cassettes

• Interface to data terminal and two cas-
sette recorders with a unit only 1/10
the sizeofSWTP's AC-30.

• Select 30. 60, or 120 bytes per second
cassette interfacing, 300, 600 or 1200
baud data terminal interfacing.

• Optional mod kits make CIS-30 + work
with any microcomputer. (For MITS
680b, ask for Tech Memo TM-CIS-
30+ — 09.)

• KC-Standard/Bi-Phase-M (double fre-
quency) cassette data encoding. De-
pendable self-clocking operation.

• Ordinary functions may be accom-
plished with 6800 Mikbug™ monitor.

• Prices: Kit, $79.95; Assembled,
$99.95.

Prices include a comprehensive instruction
manual. Also available: Test Cassette, Re-
mote Control Kit (for program control of
recorders). 1C Socket Kit, MITS 680b mod
documentation, Universal Adaptor Kit
(converts CIS-30+ lor use with any com-
puter). MIKBUG® Motorola, Inc.

For your S-100 computer — the CI-812

• Both cassette and data terminal inter-
facing on one S-100 bus PC board.

• Interfaces two recorders. Record and
playback circuits are independent.

• Select 30, 60, 120, or 240 bytes per
second cassette interfacing, 110 to
9600 baud data terminal interfacing.

• KC-Standard/Bi-Phase-M (double fre-
quency) encoded cassette data. De-
pendable self-clocking operation.

• Optional firmware (2708 EPROM)
Operating System available.

• Prices: kit, $99.95; assembled,
$129.95.

Prices include a comprehensive instruction

manual. In addition to the EPROM Operating

System, a Test Cassette, Remote Control Kit

(for program control of recorders), and an 1C

Socket Kit are also available.

• Orders-of-magnitude improvement in
data integrity over ordinary audio cas-
settes.

• Pilon-coated pressure pad eliminates
lint-producing felt pad of standard
audio cassettes.

• Smooth pilon coating minimizes erra-
tic tape motion.

• Foam pad spring is energy absorbing.
Superior to leaf spring mounted pad
which tends to oscillate and cause flut-
ter.

• Five-screw case design virtually pre-
cludes deformation during assembly.

• Price: $2.49.

PERC0M ,u products may be purchased

from home computer dealers nation-
wide, or may be ordered direct from the

factory. *

•Texas residents must include an
additional 5% for factory orders. MC &
Visa cards honored.

PERCOM™ peripherals lor personal computing'

PEfiGCM

PERCOM DATA COMPANY, INC.

DEPT. I

318 BARNES • GARLAND, TEXAS 75042

Phone:(214)272-3421

24 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 47

OCTOBER 1978

NOCCC COMPUTER SWAP MEET

The largest computer swap meet
will be held on Sunday, October 15,
1978 starting at 9:30 a.m. through
3:30 p.m. All computeroids and hob-
byists interested in buying or selling
should not miss this event.

The Northern Orange County
Computer Club (NOCCC) in conjunc-
tion with Advanced Computer Pro-
ducts are co-sponsoring this year's
swap meet.

It will take place at 1310 E. Edin-
ger in Santa Ana, California. For
more information and space reserva-
tions call Alice at (714) 558-8813.

EICO DATA PRODUCTS FORMED

A new company specializing in
the marketing and distribution of
computer terminals has been formed.
Called EICO Data Products, it is a
division of EICO Electronic Instru-
ment Company, Inc. (O-T-C). Head-
ing the new company is Ms. Linda
Ashley whose background includes
small business management, educa-
tion and mathematics.

Ms. Ashley indicated that her com-
pany will distribute several types of
terminals which will be sold outright
or will be available on a lease basis.
The terminals can be incorporated
into computer systems used by
businesses, educational institu-
tions, and personal computers. Ter-
minals serve the function of distri-
buting data-processing information.

For further details contact Ms.
Linda Ashley at EICO Data Products,
108 New South Rd., Hicksville, NY
11801 or phone (516) 681-9307.

JEDEC RELEASES CLASS B & C
MICROCIRCUIT STANDARD

Responsive to a long-standing
need expressed by several user
groups, who form the customer
base of the semiconductor manu-
facturing industry, the Joint Elec-
tron Device Engineering Council
(JEDEC), sponsored by the Elec-
tronic Industries Association (EIA),
the national Electrical Manufactur-
ers Association (NEMA), and the in-
dustry at large, has released JEDEC
Publication No. 101 governing
JEDEC Requirements for Class B &
C Microcircuits.

Publication No. 101, written by
the JC13.2 Committee on Govern-
ment Liaison for Microelectronic
Devices, provides an opportunity for
OEMs to use a standard quote vehi-
cle and uniform processing spec

which can commonly be used by
manufacturer and user alike. The
Committee, which has representa-
tion from most semiconductor
houses across the industry, unani-
mously approved the spec for use as
a standard approach to attempt
resolution of the long-standing need
from the user community.

The method outlined in Publica-
tion No. 101 provides for the use of
each manufacturer’s own data

sheet, in tandem with standard
screening and testing sequences
specified in MIL-STD-883and MIL-M-
38510. As an aid to identifying
"part” to "spec”, a marking stan-
dard has also been established
which identifies the part by its
manufacturer’s device type number
with a suffix designator JC relating
it to the JEDEC sponsored Publica-
tion No. 101 specified conditions.
Additional marketing specified in

Terminal Systems

Whether it be Service

or just Friendly Advice

TERMINALS
TELETYPES
PRINTERS
COUPLERS
MODEMS
CRT’S
CPU’S

"Everything in
Mini-Computers
and Data-Communications.'

Sales • Service • Rentals

( 213 ) 769-6772 (8 0 0 ) 42 3-2 4 4 9 (4 15 ) 573-77 23

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. SO

INTERFACE AGE 25

Fast, Reliable EPROM

Only UVP offers a complete family of high quality UV Erasing
Systems to meet your needs. And for a lot less than you’d
imagine. All offer simple operation and reliable performance for
fast, complete erasure of 4 to 600 chips in 20 minutes or less!

Small wonder they’ve become the recommended UV source by
Eprom manufacturers and users.

Quality-built and backed by 46 years of UV experience and
technology.

Available only through your authorized UVP Eprom Erasing
Systems Dealer.

ULTRA-VIOLET PRODUCTS, INC. □□

5100 Walnut G/ove Avenue. San Gabriel. CA 91778 U.S.A

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 64

S-100 BUS COMPATIBLE. The EMM 1104 single card plug-in memory has
been field tested and proven in a variety of systems including the Poly 88,
IMSAI, MITS, COMPAL-80, TLD and CREMENCO. 16K BYTES ON A CARD.
Convenient plug-in card, fully burned-in, tested and guaranteed by one of
the industry's largest memory suppliers. NMOS STATIC RAM. The 4K

static RAMs have been proven in applications ranging from single chip
memories to IBM 370 add-on systems. They are fast,
reliable, and no refresh cycle is required. f HHW

See your dealer, or contact us for complete information. kSIIIIII

MIL-M-38510 is used to complete the
identification for these products.

Copies of the publication are
available from ElA's Engineering
Department, Standard Sales Office,
2001 Eye St., NW, Washington, D.C.
20006, at a nominal $2.00 per copy.

DUAL IN-LINE LEAD SOCKET
PANEL STANDARDS SET

The Electronic Industries Associ-
ation announces the availability of a
new standard, RS-444, "Dimensional
and Electrical Characteristics Defin-
ing Dual In-Line Lead Socket
Panels.” A socket panel is a printed
circuit board with female contacts
inserted through holes in the board.
These holes are to receive DIP
sockets. This publication establish-
es a unified numbering system to be
used for dual in-line lead socket
panels standardized by EIA, and pro-
vides standard test methods,
gauges and performance require-
ments for use in the description of
these sockets. Performance require-
ments of sockets described by
RS-444 are covered in EIA standard
RS-415, “Dimensional and Electrical
Characteristics Defining Dual In-
Line Type Sockets.”

Copies of RS-444 may be ordered
at $4.00 each from the Standard
Sales Office, Electronic Industries
Association, 2001 Eye St., N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20006. A free In-
dex of EIA & JEDEC Standards and
Engineering Publications is also
available upon request.

S-100 Bus Compatible Memory
16K bytes on a card

NMOS static RAM

EIA DEFINES PHONE PLUG
AND JACK STANDARDS

The Electronic Industries
Association Engineering Depart-
ment announces the availability of
RS-453, "Dimensional Mechanical
and Electrical Characteristics Defin-
ing Phone Plugs and Jacks.” This
standard which covers dimensional
characteristics and mechanical and
electrical values is the culmination
of many years’ work by the EIA
Working Group on Sockets, P-5.2. It
is intended to provide standard
statements of marking, test condi-
tions, dielectric withstanding
voltage, contact resistance, and
mechanical dimensions with
tolerances in both the inch and
metric systems.

Copies of the new standard may
be ordered from the Standard Sales
Office, EIA, 2001 Eye St., N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20006.

26 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 19

OCTOBER 1978

STANDARDS ON RACKS, PANELS
AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
UPDATED

The Electronic Industries
Association Engineering Depart-
ment has revised RS-310. The most
recent revision of this thirty-year-old
standard, RS-310-C, “Racks, Panels
and Associated Equipment,” con-
tains updated dimensions to ensure
complete compatibility between
racks and electronic gear to be
mounted in such racks. This stan-
dard should serve as an important
communication device between
manufacturers and users in the elec-
tronics industry. The dimensioning
has been based on the positional
tolerance (true position) concept
and has been given in inches and
millimeters to facilitate the conver-
sion to the metric system.

Available at $4.00 each, copies of
RS-310-C may be ordered from the
Standard Sales Office, Electronic In-
dustries Association, 2001 Eye St.,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.

TANDY COMPUTER USERS GROUP
FORMED

The National Capitol Chapter of
the Tandy Computer Users Group
has been formed. General member-
ship meetings are held the last Wed-
nesday of each month. The group is
open to any and all interested per-
sons. For more details on group ac-
tivities, you may write to the group
President, Rod Wright, 8205 Chivalry
Rd., Annandale, VA 22003, or call
him at (703) 560-5854.

MINI/MICRO COMMITTEE FORMED

The formation of a Mini-Micro
Committee to address the concerns
of the developing software products
and turnkey system industry using
micro and minicomputers was an-
nounced by the Software Industry
Association of ADAPSO. The pur-
pose of this trade association com-
mittee is to work in the interest of
member software firms and hard-
ware manufacturers supplying soft-
ware. Issues planned for discussion
include the marketing of software,
software support, software protec-
tion, technology transfer and train-
ing, taxation, pricing, product stan-
dards, users groups, plus others
that members feel are of general in-
terest and appropriate to the trade
association.

Companies interested in further
information on the Mini-Micro Com-

mittee should contact Stephen M.
Hicks, Chairman, Mini-Micro Com-
mittee, Forth, Inc., 815 Manhattan
Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266,
(213) 372-8493.

ATLANTIC RESEARCH
OFFERS COURSE ON
DATA COMMUNICATION BASICS

Atlantic Research is offering a
two-day course on data communica-
tions titled, "An Introduction to
Basic Concepts and Systems."

The first day of the course will
deal with such basics as system
components and their functions with-
in the data communication facility;
front ends, concentrators, transmis-
sion facilities, modems and terminals;
the communication channel and its
basic capacity; network organization
and methods of encoding data onto
the communication channel.

During the second day, the course
will cover a review of line protocols
(Async, Bisync, SDLC); the RS-232/
V. 24 interface and control of the
communication channel, including a
review of the control signals and
their functions, interaction of the
control signals in a typical on-line
environment, trouble shooting data
communications problems at the
RS-232/V.24 interface, and perfor-
mance monitoring at the RS-232/
V.24 interface.

The two-day course costs $250
and is scheduled to be held in a
number of cities throughout the
United States:

June 19. 20 New York, NY

July 17, 18
August 7, 8
October 16, 17
December 4, 5

Chicago, IL
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
San Francisco, CA

For more information contact
Atlantic Research Corp., Teleprod-
ucts Div., 5390 Cherokee Ave., Alex-
andria, VA 22314, (703) 354-3400.

DATA BASE SYSTEMS PUBLISHED

Ronald G. Ross has released a
new book, Data Base Systems. Pub-
lished by AMACOM, it is the first
comprehensive guide to the still
growing field of data base technology.

Ross supplies an introduction to
data base management systems as
well as a discussion of the evolution
of it. He also looks at the direction in
which the systems is moving and
the practical implementation and
management of data base systems.

In addition, Data Base Systems de-
scribes the various techniques that
are currently on the market and looks
at the differences between them.

NORTH STAR
USER’S GROUP
LIBRARY'

The NSUj library is the largest collection of
user written software available anywhere.
Currently there are 19 disks carrying over 300
programs containing a wide range of
applications. These are now available for
public distribution and run on North Star Disk
Systems.

Special

Introductory

Offer

m 0 oo,sn«

value

Listed below is the North Star Library Disc II ,
the special includes this disk and a canplete I
description of all the programs in the library.

Each disk in the library is sold seperately for
S14.9S. The program descriptions can be
purchased seperately for $12.95.

KSUG41 Programs:

Telly
Sinpantn
Reverse
Horse
D-mandc
Girl ins
Tlphbook
Wrdguess
Mail*

Filelook
Tstdisas
Maillable
Hex to
Progf ilc
Interest
Cube
Sirtv/

Stddcv
Phone

A list of the entir
obtained for an add it
Please allow 3 weeks

Only available through R.H.S. Marketing in j
co-operation with the North Star Users Group.

WRITE OR CALL:

R.H.S.

Marketing

2233 EL CAMINO REAL
PALO ALTO, CA 94306
(415) 321-6639

Master Charge and BankAmer icard accepted
• THE NORTH STAR USER’S GROUP IS NOT AFFILIATED
WITH NORTH STAR COMPUTERS, INCORPORATED

OF BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA

DiSCS&

Wrdadd

Sortofil

Filefix

Mult

Bf iitcr

Lunlen

Lander

Blkjck

Look file

Girl

Biorythm

Listfilc

Wrdf ile

Zip look

Disasm2

Add

Elcelc

c library contents can be
ional $2.00
for delivery.

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 48

INTERFACE AGE 27

F 8/3870 .
Application

Manual

Wilh Ihc explosive growth ot microprocessor
designs, your position in the held ot electronics can
become obsolete in six months. We at Systems
Insights know how hard it is to keep up. so we
prepared a book just tor you. Microprocessors in
Systems walks you through seven microprocessor
based designs including both industrial and con-
sumer applications and special emphasis on the Mi
family and the new single chip microcomputer,
the 3870.

WHAT YOU GET

1 . Complete instructions and explanations to proto-
type all designs on the SI 50 Mustek Evaluation
Kit including

2 . A computer operated sign display and high speed
printer controller suitable lor use as a peripheral
processor and

3. FREE! MlTOSttbetirst real time operating system
tor small microcomputers) including a MITOS
listing, memory dump, flow charts, and stack
manipulation functions tor up to SO concurrently
active tasks.

4. Designs running under MITOS. including an
appliance controller subsystem with keyboard,
display and time ot day; a telephone call moni-
tor with 12 digit storage and recall, trattic
recorder system with simultaneous high speed
input, time ot day maintenance, I/O tormatting.
asynchronous output, and a muiti-tunction audio
signal generator including beeps, warbles, and
sine wave synthesis.

5. Microprocessor Diagnostics including functional
RAM tests (MARCH and GALLOP} with failure
print-out; bidirectional I/O sell test with failure
print-out; and on board ROM verification, You
owe it to yourself. Insure your |ob security and
open doors to advancement. Buy Microproces-
sors in Systems today!

Rush me all 350 pages ot Microprocessors in
Systems, including the FREE real time operating
system. MITOS.

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY. STATE. l\\>

□ Send my book COD

□ MC#

□ Visa #

□ My check is enclosed. $7.50 + 50c handling.
Texas residents include 38c tax.

To order this book COD. circle the reader service
number below.

astern Insights

Box 1 Austin, Texas 78767
(512) 476-7599

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 58

28 INTERFACE AGE

Nov 1 Columbus Computer Club
will meet at the Center of Science
and Industry at 7:30 P.M. For fur-
ther information write c/o Fred
Hatfield K8VDU, Computer Data
Systems, 1372 Grandview Ave.,
Columbus, OH 43212, or call (614)
488-3347.

Nov 1 Kitchener Waterloo Micro-
computer Club will meet at the
University of Waterloo, Room
3388, Engineering Bldg. #4,
University Ave., Waterloo, On-
tario, Canada at 7:30 P.M.

Nov 1 Lincoln Computer Club will
hold its meeting at the South
Branch Library located on 27th
and South Sts. at 7 P.M. For more
details write Hubert Paulson, Jr.,
422 Dale Dr., Lincoln, NE 68510.

Nov 1 New England Computer Soci-
ety will meet in the cafeteria of
the MITRE Corp. at 7:00 P.M.
Located on Route 62 in Bedford,
MA. Contact Dave Day at P.O.
Box 198, Bedford, MA 01730, (603)
434-4239 for details.

Nov 1 The Valley Computer Club
will meet at 7 P.M. at the Harvard
School located at 3700 Coldwater
Canyon, Studio City, CA.

Nov 2 Bay Area Microprocessors
Users Group (BAMUG) will meet
in the Hayward ROC Center,
26316 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward,
CA at 7:30 P.M. For further details
write BAMUG, 1211 Santa Clara
Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501.

Nov 2 Microcomputer Users Group
(MCG) will hold its meeting at the
University of Minnesota, Elec-
trical Eng. Rm. 115 at 7 P.M. The
club meets every Thursday. For
more information write MCG,
Dept, of Elec. Eng., 123 Church
St. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455.

Nov 2 Northwest Computer Soci-
ety meets in the Pacific Science
Center in Seattle, Room 200 at
7:30 P.M. The club also meets on
the third Thursday of the month.
For more details write NCCN,
Box 4193, Seattle, WA 98055.

Nov 3 Crescent City Computer Club
will hold its meeting at the Uni-
versity of New Orleans, Lakefront
Campus at 8 P.M. Call Bob Latham
at (504) 722-6321 for more details.

Nov 3 Microcomputer Information
Group will meet at 7 P.M. at the
Microcomputer Resource Center,
5150 Anton Dr., Rm. 212, Madison,
Wl 53719, (608) 274-8925. Len
Lindsay, president.

Nov 4 Louisville Area Computer
Club (LACE) will meet at the Uni-
versity of Louisville, Speed School

Auditorium at 1 P.M. For details,
write the club at 115 Edgemont
Dr., New Alban, IN 47150.

Nov 4 Milwaukee Area Computer
Club will meet at 1 P.M. at the
Waukesha County Technical In-
stitute, New Berlin, Wl. Call (414)
246-6634 for further details.

Nov 4 Oklahoma Computer Club
will be meeting at the Belle Aisle
Library at 10 A.M. Call Al Camp-
bell at (405) 842-4933 for details.

Nov 4 South Central Kansas Ama-
teur Computer Association, 9:00
A.M., Wichita Public Library,
Wichita, KS. For further informa-
tion call Chris Borger at (316)
265-1120 or Dave Rawson, 1825
Gary, Wichita, KS 67219, (316)
744-1629 for further details.

Nov 4 Southern Nevada Personal
Computing Society will meet at
Clark County Community Col-
lege, Las Vegas, NV at 12:00. The
club also meets on the 3rd Satur-
day of the month. For further in-
formation write SNPCS, 1405
Lucille St., Las Vegas, NV 89101
or call (702) 642-0212.

Nov 5 The Computer Hobbyist
Group will meet at 1 P.M. in the
Green Center, Rm 2.530, of Univ.
of Texas, Dallas. For details write
to P.O. Box 11344, Grand Prairie,
TX 75051.

Nov 6 Amateur Radio Research and
Development Corp. (AMRAD)
meets the first Monday of each
month at 8 P.M. at the Patrick
Henry Branch Library, 101 Maple
Ave. E, Vienna, VA. for details
write the club at 1524 Springvale
Ave., McLean, VA 22101.

Nov 6 Minnesota Computer Society
will meet at the Brown Institute,
Room 51, 3123 E. Lake Street,
Minneapolis, MN. For further in-
formation contact the Society at
Box 35317, Minneapolis, MN
55435, Attn: Jean Rice.

Nov 7 Tidewater Computer Club
will meet at the Electronic Com-
puter Programming Institute,
Janaf Office Bldg., Janaf Shop-
ping Center in Norfolk. The club
also meets on the 3rd Tuesday of
the month. For details contact: C.
Dawson Yeomans, Interface
Chairman, 677 Lord Dunmore Dr.,
Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

Nov 8 Home Computers Users
Group for Radio Shack TRS-80
meets at 7:30 PM. For details write
or call TRS-80 Users Group Infor-
mation of Eastern Massachusetts,
c/o Miller, 61 Lake Shore Road,
Natick, MA 01760, (617) 653-6136.

OCTOBER 1978

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OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY N0.S1

INTERFACE AGE 29

Nov 8 Homebrew Computer Club
meeting will begin at 7 P.M. in
Menlo Park, CA at the Stanford
Linear Accelerator Center Audi-
torium. Contact the club at P.O.
Box 626, Mountain View, CA
94042, (415) 967-6754 for details.

Nov 8 Blackhawk Bit Burners Com-
puter Club meets on the second
Wednesday monthly at 7:15 PM in
Rockford, IL. For more informa-
tion contact Frank D. Dougherty,
325 Beacon Dr., Belvidere, IL
61008, (815) 544-5206.

Nov 9 Mid America Computer Hob-
byist meeting will be at 7:00 P.M.
at Commercial Federal Savings &
Loan, Bellevue NE. Intersection of
Galvin Rd. and U.S. Hwy. 73-75.
Write P.O. Box 13303, Omaha, NE
68113 for further information.

Nov 9 North Florida Computer
Society will meet at 227 Edison
Dr., Pensacola, FL 32505. For de-
tails write this address or call
Eugene Rhodes at (904) 453-3844.

Nov 9 The Rochester Area Micro-
computer Society will meet at the
RIT Campus, Rm. 1030, Bldg. 9 at
7:30 P.M. For details write RAMS,
P.O. Box D, Rochester, NY 14609.

Nov 9 Utah Computer Association
will meet at Murray High School,
Rm 154, 5440 S. State St., Salt
Lake City, UT at 7 P.M. For details
write or call Larry or Holly Barney,
1928 S. 2600 E., Salt Lake City, UT
84108. (801) 485-3476.

Nov 10 HAUCC will meet at 7:30 PM
in Rm 117 of the Science & Re-
search Bldg, of the main campus
of the Univ. of Houston. For more
details write or call P.O. Box 37201,
Houston, TX 77036, (713) 661-6806.

Nov 10 Northern New Jersey Ama-
teur Computer Club (NNJACC) will
hold its meeting at the Fairleigh
Dickenson University, on the
Rutherford Campus, Becton Hall,
Room B8, at 7 P.M. For details
write NNJACC, 593 New York
Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ 07071.

Nov 11 The Permian Basin Compu-
ter Group — Odessa Chapter
meets at 1 P.M. in the Electronic
Technology Bldg., Room 203 on
the Odessa College campus. For
details contact John Rabenaldt,
Box 3912, Odessa, TX 79760, (915)
332-9151.

Nov 12 North Orange County Com-
puter Club will have its meeting
at Chapman College, Orange, CA.
Doors open at 12:00. 105 Hash-
inger Hall Auditorium. Member-
ship Chairman, Tracey Lerocker,
(714) 998-8080 evenings. For more

30 INTERFACE AGE

information write P.O. Box 3603,
Orange, CA 92655.

Nov 14 Okaloosa Computer Hobby-
ist Club will meet in the Commun-
ity Room of the First Federal Sav-
ings & Loan Assoc, of Okaloosa
County, 158 Elgin Pkwy N.E., Ft.
Walton Beach, FL at 7 P.M. For
details call (904) 242-5938.

Nov 14 Rome Area Computer En-
thusiasts (RACE) meets on the
second Tuesday of every month
at Patty’s Stagecoach Inn at 7:30
P.M. For details contact Mike
Troutman, RD 1, W. Carter Rd.,
Rome, NY 13440, (315) 336-0986.

Nov 16 Madison Computer Society
will meet at 7:30 P.M. at 2707
McDivitt Rd., Madison, Wl 53713.
Mike Shoh, president.

Nov 16 Sacramento Pet Workshop
meets from 7-10 P.M. every third
Thursday of the month. For more
information contact David Howe,
(916) 445-7926.

Nov 17 Amateur Computer Group
of New Jersey (ACGNJ) meets at
UCTI, 1776 Raritan Rd., Scotch
Plains, NJ 07076 at 7 P.M. For fur-
ther information write to the club
at the above address.

Nov 17 Long Island Computer
Association meets at 7 PM at the
New York Institute of Technology,
Old Westbury Campus, Route
25A between Route 107 and Glen
Cove Rd., Rm. 508. For more
details write Long Island Com-
puter Association, 36 Irene Lane
East, Plainview, NY 11803.

Nov 18 Computer Hobbyist Group of
North Texas meets at UTA Univers-
ity Hall, Rm 108 at 1 PM in Arling-
ton, TX. For details contact Neil
Ferguson at P.O. Box 1344, Grand
Prairie, TX 75051, (817) 387-0612.

Nov 18 Philadelphia Area Computer
Society will meet at 2 PM at
LaSalle College Science Bldg, at
the corner of 20th & Olney Ave.
For more details write PACS, P.O.
Box 1954, Philadelphia, PA 19105.

Nov 18 The 7C’s Committee (Affili-
ated with the Cleveland Digital
Group) will meet at Cleveland
State University Student Services
Bldg., in the Kiva Room at 2:00
P.M. For more information write to
Cleveland Digital Group, 8700 Har-
vard Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105.

Nov 18 San Diego Computer Soci-
ety will meet at the Grossmont
Community College Student Cen-
ter, 8800 Grossmont College Dr.,
El Cajon, CA. Doors open at 12:30.
For details write P.O. Box 9988,
San Diego, CA 92109, or call (714)
565-1738.

See the

these stores.

Arizona

Byte Shop. Tempe. AZ
Byte Shop. TUcson. AZ

Caliiornia

Jade Computer Products.

Hawthorne. CA
Byte Shop. Lawndale. CA
Computer Center, San Diego. CA
Byte Shop. San Jose. CA
Byte Shop. San Ratael. CA
Computer Store, Santa Monica. CA
Connecticut

The Computer Store. Windsor Locks. CT

Colorado

Computer Technology. Denver CO

Hawaii

Microcomputer System. Honolulu. HA

Illinois

Illinois Microcomputers. Naperville. IL

Iowa

Memory Bank. Davenport. lO

Kansas

Computer Systems Design. Wichita, KS

Louisiana

Microcomputers of New Orleans. LA

Massachusetts

CPU Shop. Charlestown. MA
Computer Mart. Waltham. MA

Michigan

Newman Computer Exchange.

Ann Arbor MI

United Microsystems Corporation.

Ann Arbor. Ml
Hobby Electronics. Flint. Ml
Computer Mart. Royal Oak. MI

Nebraska

Omaha Computer Store. Omaha. NB

New Hampshire

Computer Mart. Nashua. NH

New Jersey

Computer Mart, lselin, NJ

New York

Mini-Micro Mart, Syracuse. NY

Ohio

Cybershop Microcomputer Systems.
Columbus. OH

Dayton Computer Mart. Dayton. OH
21st Century Shop
Cincinnati, OH

Oregon

Real Oregon ComputerCompany.
Eugene, OR

Computer Pathways Unlimited,

Salem, OR

Texas

Micro Mike's. Amanllo. TX
Interactive Computers.

Houston. TX

Byte Shop. Richardson. TX

Virginia

Computers Plus. Alexandna. VA
The Computer Place. Roanoke. VA

Washington, D.C.

Georgetown Computers.

Washington, DC

Computerland

at most stores

Integral Data Systems, Inc.
14 Tech Circle, Natick, MA 01 760
(617)237-7610

Pay a little bit more
and get a printer that’s

brighter than your computer.
The BrighterWriter.

iMl

X

sbcdef

sbcdef

When a few dollars more buys
you a first-class impact printer,
why settle for a toy? The Brighter-
Writer gives you quality to start
with. And versatility that stays
even if you outgrow your
present personal computer.

Built smart like the big ones.

The BrighterWriter's a smart
printer. There's a microcomputer
inside. It outwits even the bigger,
higher-priced printers. So you
get versatility to do all kinds of
printing. And power to grow on.

Prints fat, skinny,
tall, small*

The printer can
be as creative
as your imag-
ination. Stretch
out your char-
acters. Squeeze them close.

Make them high. Low.

Bold. Banner. You name it. •

Plugs into your computer

No matter what personal
computer you own or plan to
buy, the BrighterWriter plugs in.

Simply and quickly Hundreds
of BrighterWriters are working in
Apple, TRS-80, Heathkit, S-100
and many other personal
computer systems right now.

Pictures and fancy
symbols*

The BrighterWriter
draws out your cre-
ativity You can print
drawings, graphs,
diagrams, bold symbols, or just
about any graphic you can
imagine.

"Some o! these advantages require extra-cost options.

OCTOBER 1978

Picture your page as thou-
sands of dots. The BrighterWriter
can fill in the dots, plot them con-
tiguously, stack them, or scatter
them. And its special set of gra-
. phic characters
simplifies the
process.

Prints any char-
acter a typewriter
5... : i can p as ter . . .

The BrighterWriter can print
plain and simple. With 7x7 dot
matrix clarity You get all the let-
ters, numbers, and standard
symbols of a

regular

/ •- •••. ;**.
C> .*••• *•••

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w ••••*

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i_y\r

typewriter. At up
to 165 characters/sec.

Ordinary paper

Fancy or plain, the Brighter-
Writer prints on ordinary paper.
Better yet, it prints on many
shapes of paper. Single sheets.
Roll. Fanfold.

Want more copies? The
BrighterWriter prints multiple
copies without extra adjustments.

Four easy buttons.

Operating the BrighterWriter
couldn't be simpler. Up-front con-
trols are easy to get to. A power

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 24

button to turn it on. A test button to
self-test your printer. A paper feed
button to advance the sheets or
forms. Aline feed button to
advance the paper a line at
a time.

iijfri- -Hj- Prints

any-which- way.

The BrighterWriter comes in
two models. The IP-225, at $949,
gives you a BrighterWriter with
tractor-feed drive for precision
forms control. This one can
handle everything from labels to
8V2" paper widths.

It has eight form lengths and
gives you all the features of our
IP- 125.

A brighter
buy.

Our IP- 125,

friction -feed .BrighterWriter
has a 96 character set and
prints on 8Y2" wide paper.
Upper and lowercase. It prints
expanded characters, too.

You can choose a RS-232 serial
or parallel interface. $799

Lots of goodies.

There's more. Choose all kinds
of options for your BrighterWriter.
Up to 132 characters per line, var-
iable character densities, larger
buffers, special graphics pack-
ages, interface cables, and more.

Give us a call or write. Integral
Data Systems, 14 Tech Circle,
Natick, MA 01760, (617) 237-7610.

Better yet, see the Brighter-
Writer at the store nearest you.

Integral Data Systems, Inc.
INTERFACE AGE 31

modem / 'mo • dam / [modulator
+ demodulator] n - s : a device for
transmission of digital information
via an analog channel such as a tele-
phone circuit.

• Complete Data Communications Subsystem
Including Autodial Capability • Fully S-100 Bus Compatible
Proven in Numerous Applications • Communication Compatible with
North American Standard Bell System 1 03 Modems • Software Control of
Originate and Answer Format, and Parity • Extensive Self-Test Capability • All Digital
Modulation and Demodulation Means No User Adjustments Required • On-Board Crystal
Oscillator Insures Proper Timing in all S-100 Systems • Break Generation • Meets or Exceeds
all Bell System and FCC Specifications for use with a CBT Coupler (Data Access Arrangement
-DAA) • 90 Day Limited Warranty

D.C. Hayes Associates, Inc.

16 PERIMETER PARK DR. SUITE 101
P.O. BOX 9884 ATLANTA, GEORGIA, 30319 (404) 455-7663

DISTRIBUTED IN CANADA BY TRINTRONICS, LTD., TORONTO

USES*

• Intelligent Terminal • Timesharing • Distributed Processing • Automatic Data Collection

• Access to Remote Data Base • Line Concentrator • Telecommuting

• Electronic Mail • Remote Access to Process Control Systems

v ivvai c uaui lai iv^c * iiuciauuvo — wiimiui iiij

Electronic Bulletin Board • Downline Loading of
Software to Remote Systems • Remote
Software Maintenance and
Customer Support

FEATURES •

32 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 22

OCTOBER 1978

Nov 19 Central Florida Computer
Club will meet at 2010 Fosgate
Dr., Winter Park, FL 32789 2:00
PM. Contact Bill Kerns for details.

Nov 19 Cleveland Digital Group
meets at 2 P.M. in the old railroad
station at Safier’s Inc., 8700 Har-
vard Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105.
Write the club at this address for
more information.

Nov 21 Rhode Island Computer
Hobbyists (RICH) meets the at
the Knight Campus of Rhode
Island Junior College in the
Faculty Cafeteria at 7:30 P.M. For
details contact Emilio lannucillo,
RICH, P.O. Box 559, Bristol, Rl
02809, or call (401) 253-5450.

Nov 22 Ventura County Computer
Society will meet at Camarillo
Public Library, 3100 Ponderosa
Dr., Port Hueneme, CA 93041 at
7:30 P.M. For more information
write: VCCS, P.O. Box 525, Port
Hueneme, CA 93041.

Nov 22 Diablo Professional Users
Group (DPUG) will meet at Diablo
Valley College Library, near the
Willow Pass exit of Fwy. 680,
from 8-10 PM. For details write or
call Bob Hendrickson, Elec-
tronics Dept., DVC, Pleasant Hill,
CA 94523; (415) 687-8373.

Nov 22 Boston Computer Society
will meet at the Commonwealth
School, 151 Commonwealth Ave.,
Boston at 7 P.M. The school is
located on the corner of Dart-
mouth St. in Boston’s Back Bay.
For information write or call the
society at 17 Chestnut St.,
Boston, MA 02108, (617) 227-1399.

Nov 24 Alamo Computer Enthusi-
ast meets at 7:30 PM in Rm 104 at
Chapman Graduate Center atTrin-
ity University, San Antonio, TX.
For details call (512) 532-2340, or
write to the club at 7517 Jonquill,
San Antonio, TX 78233.

Nov 24 Washington Amateur Com-
puter Society will meet at the
Catholic University of America,
St. Johns Hall, located at
Michigan and Harewood Aves. in
Washington, D.C. Contact Bill
Stewart at (202) 722-0210 for club
details between the hours of 10
A.M. and 12 P.M.

Nov 26 Birmingham Microproces-
sor Group will meet at Southcen-
tral Bell Company headquarters
bldg, at 2 P.M. For further details

OCTOBER 1978

write or call Jim Anderson, 2931
Balmoral Rd., Birmingham, AL
35223; (205) 897-9630.

Nov 26 Summit City Computer Club
will meet at the McMillen Library
on the Indiana Institute of Tech-
nology Campus in Ft. Wayne, IN.
For details write the club at P.O.
Box 5096, Ft. Wayne, IN 46805.

Nov 28 Southern California Users
of RT-1 1 (SCURT) will meet at 9:30
AM at USC’s Annenberg School
of Communications. For details
call Mark Bartelt, (213) 795-6811,
ext. 2663; or Ray Rittenhouse,
(213) 640-1830, ext. 225.

Nov 28 Computer Amateurs of So.
Jersey will holds its meeting at
the National Park Municipal Bldg.,
7 So. Grove Ave., National Park, NJ
at 7:30 P.M. For details call (609)
541-1010, or (609) 541-8296.

Nov 28 Sacramento Microcomputer
Users Group, (SMUG), 7:30-9:30
P.M. at SMUD Training Bldg., on
59 St. Write Richard Lerseth, P.O.
Box 161513 or call (916) 381-0335
after 5:00 P.M.

Nov 28 Okaloosa Computer Hobby-
ist Club will meet in the Santa
Rosa Rm, in the Santa Rosa Mall,
Mary Esther, FL at 7 P.M. For
details call (904) 242-5938.

Nov 28 The Digital Group Group
meets the last Tuesday of each
month in the meeting room of
Consumer Systems at 2107 Swift
Rd., Oak Brook, IL at 7:30 PM. For
more information write the group
c/o William L. Colsher, 4328 Nut-
meg Ln., Apt. Ill, Lisle, IL 60532.

Nov 28 The Apple Portland Program
Library Exchange (APPLE) meets
on the last Tuesday of each
month at 7:30 PM. For location
and details contact Ken Hoggatt,
9195 SW Elrose Ct., Tigard, OR
97223, (503) 639-5505 or (503)
644-0161, Ext. 6136.

Nov 29 The National Capitol Chap-
ter of the Tandy Computer Users
Group meets on the last Wednes-
day of each month. For details
contact Rod Wright, 8205 Chivalry
Rd., Annandale, VA 22003, (703)
560-5854.

Nov 30 Small Computer Engineer-
ing Association of Minnesota
(SCEAM) will meet at the Resource
Access Center, 3010 Fourth Ave.
So., Minneapolis, MN 55408 at 7
P.M. For more information write to
this address or call (612) 824-6406.

You don’t buy a
personal computer
everyday.

So when you do,
make sure you know
what you’re buying.

Hayden can help with
4 introductory guides!

Consumer's Guide to Personal
Computing and Microcomputers

(Freiberger/Chew)

You need no previous knowledge of
microcomputers to understand and use
the introductory principles and products
that are explained and reviewed.

"56E0-X. paper. S7.95

Small Computer Systems
Handbook (Libes)

A primer covering the practical knowledge
you should have to be able to intelligently
purchase, assemble, interconnect, and
program the microcomputer. *5678-8.
paper. $8.45

The 6800 Microprocessor:

A Self-Study Course with
Applications (Leventhal)

A self -teaching introduction to the popular
6800 microprocessor, containing 15
lessons that emphasize the control
applications of microcomputers.

*5120-4, paper. $5.95

APL: An Introduction (Peelle)

Teach yourself the APL language by using
this book — with or without a computer!
Includes many examples of APL
expressions and selected exercises.
*5122-0. paper. $8.50

Hayden Book Company, Inc.

50 Essex Street
Rochelle Park. NJ 07660

Available at your
local computer store!

peigonal

computing

books!

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 21 , NTERFACE AGE 33

CATCHAPULSE II

LOGIC PROBE

.....

10 Nsec SPIED AT
4 to 15V LEVELS
ONLY.

$44.95

Multi-famly

• Open circuit detection

• 10 Nsec pulse response

Compatible with DTL. TTl.

CMOS. MOS. and Micropraces-
sors using a 4 to 15V power
supply Thresholds automatically
^ programmed Automatic resetting
memory No adiustment required
Visual mdcation ol logic levels, using
LEOs to show high, low, had level or
open circuit logic and pulses Highly
sophisticated, shirt- pocket portable
(protective tip cap and removable
cod cord| Eliminates need lor heavy
JVoO test equipment A definite savings
in t* me af| d money lor engineer

^ aod technician SPECIAL PAK-II SJ1 95|

3Sas» Includes j standard coiled cold, coiled cord

v V^* with micro hooks, adapter for using CATCH

^ -iJi A-PULSE on logic families whose power

supply is 15V to 25V. Shipping add $2 OOper
probe.

• Pulse stretching

Replaceable tip S cord

ELECTRONICS

AVR ELECTRONICS
Box 19299

San Diego CA 92119
(714) 447-1770

A Logical Solution to
your Digital Logic
Problems!

*A signal above the upper threshold will cause the HI LEO to turn on.

•A signal between upper and lower threshold will cause bolh LEOs to turn off
*A signal befow the lower threshold will cause the LO LEO to turn on.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 4

16K RAMS $15 ea.

200 Ns ACCESS TIME

ADD TO YOUR APPLE, RADIO SHACK OR
HEATH KIT

$120 FOR 8 16K

16K S100 BUSS EXPANDORAM™ TO 64K*
$289 IN KIT WITH 16K 200 Ns RAMS

32K $409 IN KIT
48K $524 IN KIT
64K $629 IN KIT

ASSEMBLED, TESTED AND BURNED IN - ADD $50

MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

8K RAMS AND KITS

16K-S239 24K-S289 32K-S339

S55 FOR 8 8K CHIPS

OCTOBER SPECIAL SA400 FLOPPY DISK
$299 WITH ANY PURCHASE

•32K FOR 8K RAMS
(’)tM OF S.O. SALES

MASTER CHARGE - VISA - COD
Dealers Inquiries Welcome
California Residents Add 6% Sales Tax

(EOMTERraRlQ

P.O. BOX 242 SAN DIMAS, CA 91773
(213) 286-2661

This month’s INTERFACE AGE is dedicated to hard-
ware — how you might select your first computer.
Various articles discuss topics such as your objectives
for using a computer and the equipment necessary to
meet these objectives.

Planning for the future is important in selecting and
preparing for a computer, at least as important as is
planning for other business management functions.
Plans are the tracks on which a business runs. A busi-
ness without plans cannot control its progress any more
than can a train off its tracks.

Plans for computer selection and use should support
and otherwise be consistent with business plans. Simi-
larly, business plans should include consideration of a
computer, what it will require of an organization, and its
effects on the organization.

PLAN FOR GROWTH

Planning for the future of computer use is almost al-
ways planning for growth. Businesses themselves gen-
erally grow, and the growth of a business means growth
in the power of the resources, particularly computers,
which it needs to operate.

Another factor promoting the growth of computer use
is the frequent discovery of new and different additional
ways to use the computer. Computers can help in many
ways, and success in one application provides a good
basis for natural implementation of other computer ap-
plications.

Finally, the rapidly increasing capacity and decreas-
ing cost of small computer hardware and software are
strong independent factors supporting increases in
computer use. The computer is chosen as a tool be-
cause it is less expensive than alternatives. As most
costs are rising while computer costs are falling, com-
puters are becoming the best solution in more and more
applications.

Negative factors influencing growth of computer use
are seldom present and even less often significant. An
organization may decrease its use of a purchased or
leased computer. However, rarely will an organization
get a smaller computer just because of unused capacity.
The cost of changing to less powerful equipment is gen-
erally a greater expense than the resulting savings.
Similarly, if one finds that a program has excess capac-
ity, the most cost-effective solution is to leave it unused.
Changing programs in such circumstances is rather ex-
pensive and rarely results in useful savings.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 95

OCTOBER 1978

'I. V«XV*N**&£|

-jSp'SSeS'

svSN y,^NV'l

4&KSSE

SupeVom

16 K STATIC FOR

Introducing SuperRam™ 16K static memory, the
one that's leaping tall price barriers at a single
bound. It saves you about $100 on the usual cost of a
big 16K memory for your S-100 system.

SuperRam™ 16K is the latest in cost-efficient
memory designs by George Morrow, designer of
the best-selling ECONORAM* memories.

SuperRam 1 " 16K is configured as four indepen-
dent 4K blocks, each separately addressable and
write-protectable. Designed to meet the proposed
IEEE Standard for the S-100 bus (see IEEE Computer,
5/78), all signals are fully buffered — including
address and data lines. And Morrow’s design uses
just 11 chips to keep the board uncrowded and
trouble-free.

SuperRam 1 " 16K comes as an easily assembled kit,
with solder mask and parts legend.

Ask for the SuperRam™ 16K memory kit at your
local computer shop. Or if unavailable locally, call
your BankAmericard/Visa or Master Charge order
to 415-524-5317, 10-4 Pacific Time. Or send check
or money order to Thinker Toys™, 1201 10th St.,
Berkeley, CA 94710. Add $3 for handling; Cal. res.
add tax.

ECONORAM is a trademark of Godbout Electronics

A product of Morrow's Micro-Stuff for

1201 10th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 61

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 35

16K RAM

FULLY OQCn

STATIC KIT 3>ODU

10 SLOT TABLE TOP
MICROCOMPUTERS
TT-8080 KIT $440

SYSTEM W/16K & I/O
TT-8080-S KIT $1050

10-SLOT MAIN FRAME
TT-10 KIT $325

CARD CAGE &
MOTHER BOARD
ECT-100 KIT $100
CCMB-10 KIT $75
WITH CONNECTORS
& GUIDES

ECT-100-F KIT $200
CCMB-10-F KIT $125

mum*

CPU’S, MEMORY
MOTHER BOARDS
PROTOTYPING BOARDS
EXTENDER CARDS
POWER SUPPLIES
DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED SHIPPING EXTRA

ELECTRONIC CONTROL TECHNOLOGY

FACTORY ADDRESS MAILING ADDRESS

763 Ramsey Avenue P.O. Box 6

Hillside, NJ 07205 Union, NJ 07083

(201) 686-8080

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. IS

INTRODUCING THE

X-Y PLOTTER UNIT

LOW COST • Rugged and Reliable • Includes power supply
and interface • Resolution .01 • Completely Assembled

KITS FOR THE DO-IT-YOURSELFER!

Versatile • Console and power supply available.

11 x 17 inch drawing area

$795.

Matching Console

110.

17 x 22 inch drawing area

950.

Matching console

130.

Request your own FREE brochure
OR

OWNER’S MANUAL $5. (Outside US/Canada add $3 Postage).

European inquiries should be directed to our overseas
representative dEdatE Edl/ , Hatzfelder Str 35. D-5600,
Wuppertal-2, Germany.

^glimnljills IGabflralory, inr.

BOX 646 • PITTSBURG, KANSAS 66762 *(316) 231-4440

The impracticality of decreasing computer costs may
be frustrating, but it is realistic. Perhaps this restriction
would become more acceptable if it were considered as
similar to the inflexibility of other semi-fixed equipment
costs. Very often, the rule "what goes up must come
down” just doesn’t apply in practical economics, at
least for periods of only a few years.

Recognition of the difficulty of cutting costs may pro-
mote skimping on initial computer investments. This, of
course, is as unwise as splurging. The proper solution is
to plan for needs and opportunities and to plan the most
cost-effective method of meeting these needs and bene-
fiting from these opportunities.

. . .needed increases in capacity
can be. . .relatively simple software
changes. . .such capacity changes
need not be. . .considered in
planning. However, some capacity
increases will be very expensive. . .
to identify these is important.

THREE GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

Planning is generally the consideration of change —
how to cause and respond to changes. Three categories
of change may affect computer use. The answer to three
corresponding questions can provide a good basis for
planning the future of a computer in a business.

1. If the environment in which the computer is used
doesn’t change, how will the business’ use of com-
puters increase in the future? Most often, these
new uses will result from computerizing the more
obvious present business functions.

2. Change from conditions unrelated to computer use
is likely in the computer’s business environment;
products, competition, marketing efforts all change.
How will these changes affect the organization,
particularly the ways it will want to use computers?

3. How should computers be used to change the
computer’s business environment? For example,
in a distribution function a computer might be
selected as an order entry tool, allowing better
entry of orders and convincing the company to
aggressively seek small orders which were previ-
ously unprofitable. Or a computer might allow com-
puter-supported, exceptionally quick service be
the basis for its advertised marketing image.

REASONS FOR CAPACITY INCREASES

The need for increases in installed computer capacity
can result from several types of factors specifically
related to how computers are used. Following are the
most common.

First is the need to increase the capacity of the basic
functions which the computer is performing. Examples
might be a business adding products or departments,
thus exceeding the number of products or departments
which the computer hardware and/or software could
handle. In other cases, there may be limits on the number
of orders, customers or employees which can be handled.

Often such needed increases in capacity can be ac-
complished by relatively simple software changes.
Therefore, most such capacity changes need not be spe-
cifically considered in planning. However, some capac-
ity increases will be very expensive to implement, and
planning to identify these is important.

36 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 57

OCTOBER 1978

SELECTRA-TERM

Mates with TRS-80

Turn your TRS-80 into

a complete word processing system.

Just hook up the cables and connectors supplied

Discounts Available to
EDUCATIONAL ACCOUNTS

Contact Dolores Sun
P. 0. Box 8394 "Ann Arbor, Ml 481 05
(313) 665-8514

with your SELECTRA-TERM and you're ready to run.
Input your text and type the single command: LPRINT.
The SELECTRA-TERM automatically outputs clear,
clean high fidelity copy
Incredibly simple!

Brand new. $ 1925 *

Fully assembled and tested.

Delivery five weeks.

Many options available.

*115 VAC, 60 Hz Model.

Direct international sales inquiries to

International Sales Division
17648 Orna Drive
Granada Hills, CA 91344 USA

SELECTRA-TERM can also be connected
to the parallel port of PET ■ Apple II ■
Heath H8 ■ IMSAI ■ Cromemco ■ Alpha

Microsystems ■ Space Byte ■ North Star
Horizon * SWTP ■ Vector Graphic • Sol «

COMPARE THIS
DOT MATRIX OUTPUT

with the

SELECTRA-TERM high
fidelity impact

micro

computer

devices

960 E. Orangethorpe, Bldg. F | — i ^

Anaheim, California 92801
Telephone (714) 992-2270

trs- 80 is a product of Radio shack "Innovators to the Microcomputer Industry

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY N0.28

INTERFACE AGE 37

MICRODESIGN

+

I mitfocompuler product*

16K EPROM/RAM

VERSATILITY • Individual Addressing • Shadow alternates ROM with RAM • External
RAM disable • Optional IK on board RAM • S100 compatible • Power-on |ump or
bootstrap capability • All sockets included

MR 8 KIT For 2708 99.50

MR 16 T KIT FOR TMS 2716 99.50

EPROM (shown) not included

FIRMWARE • 2K Monitor/Utility • Supports Tarbell cassette, paper tape • Row
available tor SIO. MlO. 3P-S. SI0 2

MM 2K (two 2708 type EPROMS) 79,50

MM 2 T (one TMS 2716 EPROM) 74.50

EPROMS • Prime, lull specification • programming available

2708 type 1024 x 8 30.00

TMS 2716 2048x8 55.00

MICRODESIGN

679-1 S. State College Blvd., Fullerton CA 92631

(714) 738-8080 circle inquiry no. 29

TERMINALS FROM TRANSNET

PURCHASE

12-24 MONTH FULL OWNERSHIP PLAN
36 MONTH LEASE PLAN

PURCHASE

PER MONTH

DESCRIPTION

PRICE

12 M0S

24 M0S

36M0S

DECwriter II

$1,495

$145

$ 75

$ 52

DECwriter III

2,695

257

137

95

DECprinter 1

1,795

172

92

63

VT52 DECscope

1,695

162

85

59

VT100 DECscope

1,695

162

85

59

VT55 DECgraphic CRT

2,395

229

122

84

ADM 3A CRT

875

84

45

30

HAZELTINE 1400 CRT.

845

81

43

30

HAZELTINE 1500 CRT.

1,195

115

61

42

Tl 745 Portable

1,875

175

94

65

Tl 765 Bubble Mem

2,995

285

152

99

Tl 810 RO Printer

1,895

181

97

66

Tl 820 KSR Terminal . .

2,395

229

122

84

Data Products 2230 . . .

7,900

725

395

275

QUME, Ltr. Qual. KSR .

3,195

306

163

112

QUME, Ltr. Qual. RO . .

2,795

268

143

98

DATAMATE Mini floppy

1,750

167

89

61

FULL OWNERSHIP AFTER 12 OR 24 MONTHS
10% PURCHASE OPTION AFTER 36 MONTHS

ACCESSORIES AND PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT

ACOUSTIC COUPLERS • MODEMS • THERMAL PAPER
RIBBONS • INTERFACE MODULES • FLOPPY DISK UNITS

PROMPT DELIVERY • EFFICIENT SERVICE

IransNet Corpora tio\

2005 ROUTE 22, UNION, N.J. 07083

201 - 688-7800

Another reason for capacity increase is the need or
desire to use a commercially available software product.
Acquiring already programmed software is often much
less expensive than writing one’s own. However, the
software which someone else has written generally is
for a computer with features and accessories at least a
little different than yours. Therefore, you must add the
features the software needs that you don’t have.

One may also feel that the computer, or a part of it, is
too slow. This reason is often more emotional than ra-
tional because there are many ways to compensate for
slow computers, ways that often are much less expen-
sive than increasing capacity. Frequently, the slowness
is no real problem at all. In any case, planning can help
one anticipate the conditions calling for speed in-
creases as well as the time when the need for computer
growth may occur.

A more important reason for increasing capacity is
the need or desire to do more with one’s computer. Hav-
ing the computer automatically handle more of the
manual exceptions required in a computerized system
is obviously advantageous, but this type of increase
often requires surprising amounts of resources. Allow-
ing more flexibility and more ways to use existing pro-
grams is a similar reason for capacity increase. These
last two are especially significant to consider when
planning because they commonly result from neglect-
ing to include features in early programs which were ini-
tially considered unnecessary, but which users later
decide they “can’t live without”.

Consideration of these preceeding reasons can be a
worthwhile part of computer planning and yield good
results.

WAYS COMPUTERS GROW

What effect on a computer does the need to grow
have? One way a computer grows is by adding more mem-
ory capacity. More memory will allow larger, more power-
ful programs as well as the ability to handle more data
such as a larger number of customers or employees.
Memory capacity can be in RAM or magnetic media such
as floppy disks, cassettes, or tape cartridges.

Adding the needed amount of memory can range from
easy and inexpensive to impossible. Often a certain
amount of memory can be added relatively easily. How-
ever, once the normal memory size limit of a particular
computer has been reached, further increases are un-
usually much more expensive. Determining and consid-
ering the practical limitations of the computer under
consideration can be an important basis for planning.

The other major way of increasing computer hardware
capacity is by adding peripheral components. Some-
times the added peripherals can be replacements, per-
haps to increase speed. Often they provide totally new
functions. Will you want to add voice input or output cap-
ability to your computer? Will you want to add on-line
controllers, perhaps so your computer can turn on or off
a motor? If so, you can benefit from choosing a compu-
ter to which such capability can be added with reason-
able ease and expense.

PLAN FOR LEARNING

Computer planning is harder than most types of plan-
ning, for two reasons. First, the basic technology of
computers is changing so rapidly that detailed long
range plans are totally unrealistic. The second reason is
the great and unimaginable effect that computers can
have on your business.

But planning is still possible and vital. A basic premise
for the prospective new user’s planning is that the first
computer will be largely a learning experience. True, one

38 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 63

OCTOBER 1978

Powerful Capabilities

The only full size dual diskette
system configured especially for the
Heathkit H8 Computer is now avail-
able for immediate connection. The
INFO 2000 Disk System is the best
performer for any microcomputer:
it's incredibly fast, it uses full 8"
diskettes, and it gives you immediate
Z80 capability. The recording format
is standard IBM 3740. So you’re as-
sured maximum storage capacity, sup-
erior error protection, and full inter-
changeability with other CP/M* based
systems.

Simple Connection

The Disk Adapter Board supplied
with the INFO 2000 Disk System con-
tains its own Z80 microprocessor. Just
swap this board with the 8080 that
came with your H8 and you’ll have in-
stantly upgraded to a Z80 microcom-
puter. The Z80 instruction set includes
158 — more than twice as many as the

We're Serious

The H8 is a good beginning. But
why stop there. Go for the best. With
this combination of low cost computer
and a powerful disk system, you can
now perform a tremendous range of
tasks. Use your H8 as a sophisticated
business system and a powerful design
and development tool.

If you’re serious.

Delivered assembled and factory-
tested, the complete disk system in-
cludes dual diskette drives, Z80/Disk
Adapter Board, power supply, cabinet,
cables, and CP/M disk operating sys-
tem. Full price $2950. Available for
immediately delivery.

*CP/M is a trademark of Digital Research

IMF0 2000

CORPORATION

20630 South Leapwood Avenue

Carson, California 90746
(213)532-1702

Z80 instructions feature power-
ful block transfer, block search, block
I/O instructions, relative addressing,
bit manipulation, index registers and
greatly enhanced interrupt processing.
All you need to do is plug in the adap-
ter board, cables and AC power, and
you're ready to run.

Hassle-Free Operation

Designed just for the H8, the
INFO 2000 Z80/Disk Adapter Board
includes an EPROM containing
PAM-Z. This is a Z80-oriented panel
monitor which permits the H8 front
panel to operate in both hexadecimal
and octal modes. A CP/M disk operat-
ing system is included which enables
you to use Disk BASIC, FORTRAN,
COBOL, PASCAL and hundreds of
applications programs. Plus, you can
still utilize all Benton Harbor software.
The flick of a switch gives you either
software mode . . . instantly! You
should have a minimum of 16K RAM,
and to take full advantage of all the
software you can implement, 32K is
recommended. You'll also need the
standard Heath serial board and a
terminal for a full system.

Heathkit H8 Owners:

SERIOUS?

upgrade your H8
to a Z80 with the
DISK SYSTEM

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 23

INTERFACE AGE 39

PRINTED CIRCUIT KITS
MAKE CARDS QUICKLY

ONLY Vector kits contain:

• Positive photo-resist coated AND uncoated copper laminate-no
messy photo-reversal— no spraying, dipping, or baking.

• 4 types of art aids: rub transfers, ink, tape, cut and peel-use 1 or all.

• 1:1 circuit art rub transfers-IC sets, pads, lines, connectors,
symbols, letters, and numbers.

• Everything included-just add water and sunlamp or bright sunshine.

• Liquid etchant and developer-no dry chemical mixing problems.

• Process choices-make circuit on copper and etch for 1 card.
Make circuit on film, expose, develop and etch for 1 or many cards.

ART

AIDS

sunlamp

+ mylar l i i [ i developer = , or many Pc .,

film r J^f f I & etchant —

_j_ card etchant S I PC

32XA-1 kit makes 7 PC cards, $28.00, 32X-1 starter kit makes 2 cards, $1 1 .50

Prices suoiect to change without notice.

SIOI77

Vector Electronic Co.. 12460 Gladstone Av., Sylmar, CA 91 342

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 65

should expect useful results of direct benefit to one's
business, and proper planning will ensure such benefits.
However, a computer is so different a tool and will have
such unanticipated effects on your organization, the best
thing to do is to try one and then make fairly specific fu-
ture plans based on the results of your early experience.

CAVEATS

1. When considering a computer system, ask the
vendor about the availability and cost of expansion
features you may need. Also try to evaluate
whether such features may be unavailable when
you need them, perhaps because the manufacturer
is no longer in business or because he has dropped
the feature from his product line.

2. Generally, a doubling of the power of an installed
computer is a reasonable plan. Greater increases
are often best accomplished by changing to a lar-
ger computer. As with any other type of machine, a
computer to which too many accessories have
been added becomes unwieldy and awkward.

3. As is now obvious, don’t buy the top-of-the-line, a
computer which can’t be expanded, unless you
can confidently assume there will be no need to in-
crease capability.

4. Plan ahead, but not too far. About three years is
often a reasonable time period: not so far that con-
ditions are unforeseeable, but long enough to al-
low the first computer to be learned from and pro-
per planning to be done for a second system.

5. Many component manufacturers and equipment
vendors will expand their product lines in the fu-
ture and thus allow the owner of a computer to up-
grade his system more than is possible today.
However, the buyer who bases his plan on any fu-
ture additions to product lines is gambling. □

. . . sells TEXAS INSTRUMENTS Terminals

and Printers and LEAR SIEGLER CRTs by the
thousands!

NOW ONE OF THE NATION’S
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CALL TOLL FREE 800-325-8252

1000 LAKE SAINT LOUIS BLVD.
LAKE SAINT LOUIS. MO. 63367

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 13

40 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

MicroPro

International

Corporation^

an affiliate of Prodata International Corporation established 1968

professional quality you can count on!

proudly announces

SUPER-SORT®

The ultimate in high performance
sort/merge

Specifications

□ High Performance Tournament/Heapsort Algorithm

□ Multiple Input Files Read in Parallel for True Merge
Operation.

□ Dynamically Invokable User Exit Routines

□ Record Selection via SELECT/EXCLUDE Statements

□ Handles Fixed and Variable Length Records

□ Handles Fixed and Variable Length Fields

□ Handles up to 16 Sort Keys with Intermixed Sequence
Indicators and Data Types

□ Handles Alternate Collating Sequences

□ Compatible with CP/M' and any Derivative Including
ADOS, IMDOS, CDOS, etc.

□ 8080/808 5/Z-80 Compatible

□ Specialized Optimizations for Floppy Disk Environment

□ Keyword Command Input For Easy Operator Entry

□ Benchmarked at Over 560 Records per Minute!

□ invokable as a Subroutine from FORTRAN, COBOL
and Assembler

□ Furnished in Relocatable and Executable Form for
Easy Load-Address Definition

□Optional TACSORT Operation

□ Data Types Include ASCII, EBCDIC, Binary, BCD
(COBOL packed Decimal), etc.

□ Supports CP/M-compatible Diskette Files under
BASIC, FORTRAN, COBOL and Assembler

Price $250 ‘ * includes manual and single density
diskette Manual only $9.00 refundable with purchase

WORD-MASTER®

The last word in text editing

Specifications

□ Compatible with any “dumb’' CRT possessing ad-
dressable cursor and backspace (includes Hazeltine -
all models, SOROC, Lear Siegler, IMSAI-VIOC, ADDS
Regent, etc.)

□ Bi-directional word tab, line tab, screen tab

□ Bi-directional word delete, line delete and character
delete

□ Quad-directional cursor movements

□ Mid-line insert and delete

□ Automatic RAM/Diskette buffering with no user
intervention

□ Nested command looping with conditional execution

□ Clobal String search. Global String Replace

□ Queue Buffer for text movement, global replication,
and string command storage

□ Multiple input file merging with user-controlled
insertions

□ Multiple output file control by section under user
control

Price $150" includes manual and single density

diskette. Manual only $9.00 refundable with purchase.

* CP/M is a trademark of Digital Research
*• Prices and Specifications subject to change without notice
1978. MicroPro International Corporation All rights reserved

Dealer Inquiries Invited: Call (Northern California) (707) 544-2865, (415) 398-7062, (209) 445-0511, (408) 279-8980, (916) 485-
7619 (Southern California) (213) 224-1619, (714) 634-2908. Outside California Call Collect (707) 544-2865. Principal offices
located at 5810 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park, CA 94928

INTERFACE AGE 41

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 33

PUZZLED ABOUT COMPUTERS?

Data Dynamics Technology has a library of answers. . .

JJW1AKT

"> -

a as as

Game Playing with BASIC

By Donald D. Spencer. 166 pages, $6.95

Order No. HA Y5 109-3, paper

Basic BASIC: An Introduction to Computer
Programming in BASIC Language -2nd Edition
By James S. Coan. 288 pages, $8.95
Order No. HA Y5 106-9, paper
Your Home Computer
By James White. 200 pages, $6.00
Order No. DMX05-1, paper
Instant BASIC

By Jerald R. Brown. 180 pages, $6.00
Order No. DMX04-3, paper
Computer Programming
By Brice Ward. 309 pages, $7.95
Order No. TB574, paper

8080 Machine Language Programming
for Beginners

By Ron Santore. 104 pages, $6.95
Order No. DPI 4-2, paper.

Build Your Own Working Robot
By David L. Heiserman. 234 pages, $5.95
Order No. TB341, paper
Miniprocessors: From Calculators to
Computers

By David L. Heiserman. 195 pages, $5.95
Order No. TB971, paper
Minicomputers: Structure and Programming
By T.G. Lewis and J.W. Doerr. 282 pages, $1 3.95
Order No. HAY5642-7, cloth.

Advanced BASIC

By James S. Coan. 192 pages, $7.95
Order No. HA Y5855- 1, paper.

Getting Involved with Your Own Computer:

A Guide for Beginners

By Leslie Solomon and Stanley Veit

216 pages, $5.95

Order No. RID004-8, paper

. . .And More!

INTERFACE AGE Binders and

Slip Cases

Data Dynamics Technology 19 now offering
deluxe binders and slip cases which will place
each back issue of INTERFACE AGE at your
fingertips. Each binder and slip case is con-
structed of a handsome blue vinyl with INTER-
FACE AGE stamped In gold foil on the front
cover and spine. These rugged binders and slip
cases can hold 12 Issues each and will protect
your back issues of INTERFACE AGE for years.

TYCHON’s 8080 Octal and
Hex Code Cards

The code cards are a sliderule-like aid for pro-
gramming and debugging 8080 software. Both
cards contain all the standard mnemonics and
either their corresponding octal or hex codes.
The pocket size cards are 6.5 by 3 inches (16 by
8 cm) with color-coded instructions to provide
a neat, logical format for quick reference. The
back of both cards Is printed with an ASCII
code chart for all 128 characters plus the
SOSO's status word and register pair codes.

Microcomputers At A Glance
By Donald D. Spencer. 1 92 pages, $7.95
Order No. CAM021-8, paper
An Introduction to Microcomputers:

Volume 1, Basic Concepts
By Adam Osborne. 282 pages, $8.50
Order No. OSB2001, paper.

An Introduction to Microcomputers:

Volume 2, Some Real Products
By Adam Osborne. 868 pages, $15.00
Order No. OSB3001A,paper
An Introduction to Microcomputers:
Volume 0, The Beginner's Book
By Adam Osborne. 226 pages. $7.95
Order No. OSB6001, paper
Accent on BASIC

By Donald 0. Spencer. 104 pages, $5.95
Order No. CAM003-X, paper.

How to Plan and Install Electronic
Burglar Alarms

By Howard Blerman. 1 20 pages, $4.95
Order No. HA Y5734-2, paper
The BASIC Workbook

By Kenneth E. Schoman, Jr. 120 pages, $4.25
Order No. HAY5104-2, paper
A Quick Look At BASIC
By Donald D. Spencer. 64 pages, $4.95

Order No. CAM015-3. paper

DATA DYNAMICS TECHNOLOGY P.O. Box 1217, Cerritos, CA 90701

Name(Print)

Address

City State Zip

Please send me:

Description Qty Price

Total

Book Order#

Qty

Price Total

Binders

7.50

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5.95

Hex Code Cards

2.95

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2.95

Shipping & Handling Charges TOTAL ORDER $

Binders and Slip Cases$150 ea. U.S., $2.00 ea. Foreign 'TAX S

Code Cards $ .50 ea. U.S.. $ .75 ea. Foreign SHIPPING ft HANDLING S

Books S .75 ea. U.S.. $1 .50 ea. Foreign TOTAL ENCLOSED $

□ Visa i □ M/C # □ Check or M.O.(U.S. Funds drawn on U.S. bank)

Exp. Date Signature

'California residents add 6% salos tax. Availability and prices quoted sub|ect to change without notice.

Please allow six weeks for delivery. You may photocopy this pago If you wish to keep your INTERFACE AGE intact.
Orders cannot be shipped unloss sccompsnied by psyment, Including shipping & handling and tax where applicable.

DATA DYNAMICS TECHNOLOGY, A Division of INTERFACE AGE Magazine (213)926-9544

42 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

THE

WIND

MVHUmN

By Merl Miller

Last month we started a commentary on robot history
that ended with the Hopkins Beast. If you haven’t read
last month’s column yet, you may want to now. This
month I would like to continue the discussion.

As a result of the atomic energy research carried on in
the 1950's, elaborate mechanical arms were developed
to handle radioactive materials. They were usually con-
trolled by an operator who was behind a glass shield,
some distance from the radioactive material. As the
research in this area progressed, the arms became in-
creasingly more sophisticated so that by the early 60’s
they could be controlled remotely by a closed circuit
television system.

A great number of computer scientists began to
wonder if these arms could be controlled by a computer.
Henry Earnst of MIT was one of the few computer scien-
tists able to obtain one of these mechanical arm devices.
He first discovered that the arms were quite agile. They
could easily perform fairly complicated functions such
as screwing in a light bulb or striking a match, but only if
the person operating the machine had his eyes open. If
the operator tried to control the arms with closed eyes,
little could be accomplished. This meant that if a com-
puter were linked to the machine, it would have to have

some ’’seeing" capability. This was a formidable task.
At this time the Hopkins Beast was the most advanced
"seeing" robot, and all it could do was "see” an elec-
trical outlet under certain conditions. In addition, pat-
tern recognition was in its infancy.

Dr. Earnst couldn’t teach his computer to see so he
taught it to "feel". He devised a series of sensors that
enabled the arm to feed information back to the computer.
Every joint had pressure pads that sensed when the arm
touched something, and a series of photoelectric cells
helped it distinguish light objects from dark objects.
Even with these aids, it could still only fumble a bit. Its
most significant accomplishment was a table clearing
routine. The arm would systematically sweep back and
forth across the table until it bumped into something.
When this happened it would try to pick up the object,
carry it to the edge of the table and drop it into a bin.

Dr. Earnst’s studies showed that although a computer
could learn to interact with its environment, it needed a
mechanical device specifically designed for computers.
It seemed unfeasible to adapt a computer to an already
existing machine. Consequently, in the years following
the development of Earnst’s machine, scientists began
putting together complete robot systems that weren’t
dependent on man being in the loop.

ADDRESS YOUR PROBLEMS

SSG has a Name and Address Record Selection
System that can make any 8080 or Z-80 micro-
computer running with CP/M*

and CBASIC into a small-
business problem-solver.

Our NAD"* Name and Ad-
dress system can print sheets
of adhesive labels— or reports
— of any part of your customer
or member lists. Select your
mailing or report group by
last initial, zip code, street or
town, or any other whole or partial field in your data
base Or use the "hidden code" of user-specified

/tructured /y/tem / Group
Incorporated
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA 94618
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qualifying information provided for each file to
select only the doctors, apartment-dwellers, 4-door

^ station wagon owners, and

so on.

NAD 1 * is completely interactive
and self-teaching. It requests
data in sequence and reports
entry errors back to the opera-
tor. So anyone in your company
can use NAD’” effectively.

In fact, our new enhancement

of NAD"* is so full of sophisti-
cated features, you’ll want to mail the coupon on
the reverse side of this ad today.

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AQE 43

In addition to Dr. Earnst, the most interesting of the
modern-day robotic pioneers is Dr. Meredith Thring,
head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at
Queen Mary College, London. By clever mechanical de-
sign he has developed simple, automatic hands that can
pick up a great range of objects including pencils and
teacups. He has also designed a group of small vehicles
that can safely travel over level or irregular terrain or
carry a seated person up and down stairs. One machine
can clear a dinner table. Another is quite an amateur
“fireman". Its heat-seeking device searches for heat,
and when it finds a fire, the machine extinguishes it.

Much of Professor Thring's work is aimed at tele-
operator-type devices that are designed as prosthetics.
His other devices, such as the mobile fire extinguisher,
are special purpose machines with no flexibility in their
logic. If you could combine the logical flexibility of a
large, general purpose computer with one of Professor
Thring’s machines, you’d have the first general purpose
robot. Now that 16-bit microprocessors are available,
this day may not be far off.

I have another thought to share with you. Dave Morris
is a computer, electronics and robotics hobbyist in
Dallas, Texas. He has a couple years of college and
would someday like to get a B.S. in computer science.

I had a very interesting conversation with Dave when I
called regarding a letter he wrote to Carl Warren. The let-
ter concerned my July column. What follows is an adap-
tation of his letter and our conversation, interspersed
with some of my comments:

"What if we designed a robot that could drive
your car?” That is the question I posed in the July
column. The first real problem is how the system
differentiates. It will need to recognize a traffic
light in the midst of thousands of flashing neon
signs, taillights, headlights, turn signals, street
lights, store illuminations, light reflections and all
the other hundreds of confusing light sources
found on a typical city street at night.

The system would also need to estimate human
behavior. For example, it would have to decide
whether or not a car racing toward your intersec-
tion from a side street is going to stop in time. The
system will have to look ahead far enough to tell

that the weaving car in front of you is, in fact, not
avoiding traffic but doing so because the driver is
drunk.

Will the system slam on the brakes in the event
of emergency or slow for a tumbleweed, paper
boxes, dogs or children? And how will we program
it to know the difference?

These are all interesting questions and point to the
necessity of thinking through all projects.lll

1

"We'll go into mass production and make a fortune."

VERY DIRECT MAIL

If your business is using an 8080 or Z-80 micro-
processor running with CP/M" and CBASIC, SSG’s
NAD T “ name and address system and QSORT"
sort/merge software are precisely the tools you
need to sort out your mailina problems.

The SSG Name and Address Record Selection
System generates adhesive labels or reports from
your customer payroll, membership and other lists.
QSORF" software allows you to handle sophis-
ticated multi-key sorting for list-making projects
on a single diskette.

Together, they make direct mail and other listing
projects a snap. Just mail the coupon today for
brochures or ordering.

CP/M ' is a trademark of Digital Research

NAD" and QSORT" are trademarks ot Structured Systems Group

□ Please wind me the tree brochure on NAD"

I D Please send me Ihe tree brochure on OSORT".

□ Enclosed please Imd my check lor NAO" on rdekelteand documen-
tation *79 (Cal res add tax) ,

O Enclosed please Imd my check lor OSORT*on 8" diskette with documen-
| tenon *95 (Cal res add tea)

I O Enclosed please Imd my check lor CBASIC - *99 95 (Cal res add laa)
□ Please charge my order lo my BwikAmencard «

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TYPE OF BUSINESS

I /tructured /y/tem/ Group Incorporated i

I 5208 CLAREMONT AVENUE
^ OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA 94618 (415) 547-1567

44 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 54

OCTOBER 1978

FULL SIZE FLOPPY DISK $995 COMPLETE!

DISCUS I™ full-size floppy disk system is an overnight success
. . . because it's delivered so complete you can have it running in a
single evening.

For just $995, it's a complete memory system. Complete with all
hardware and software. Completely assembled. Completely inter-
faced. And tested as a complete system.

And you can not only solve your memory
shortage faster, you can solve it longer
. . . because DISCUS I™ is a full-size
floppy system with 3 times the storage
and 5 times the speed of mini-floppies.

Your $995 DISCUS I™ system in-
cludes a Shugart 800R full-size drive
with power supply in a handsome
freestanding cabinet, our 8-drive
capacity S-100 controller with on-
board buffer and serial interface,
all cables and connectors, and
all the software you need. Your
software library includes DOS,

///fiiiiimw

text editor, 8080 assembler (all integrated in DISK/ATE™), our
BASIC-V™ advanced virtual disk BASIC able to handle a wide
variety of data formats and address up to 2 megabytes and
patches for CP/M*. And it's all interfaced to your controller's
serial I/O port to avoid I/O guesswork.

And it's all yours for $995. We even
offer CP/M for just $70, Micro-Soft Ex-
tended Disk Basic for just $199 and
Micro-Soft Fortran for just $349 as
nice options to add to your library.

No wonder it's an overnight success!

See DISCUS I™ today at your local
computer shop. Or if unavailable
locally, send your check or money
order direct to Thinker Toys™
(add $7 for handling; California
residents add tax). Or call (415)
524-5317, 10-4 Pacific Time.

*CP/M is a trademark of Digital Research.

A product of Morrow's Micro-Stuff for

tm CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 62

1201 10th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710

I believe that serial input/output
devices and serial Input/output cap-
abilities will become increasingly
more important as telephone com-
munications between microcompu-
ter systems becomes more common-
place. Also, serial I/O devices make
very inexpensive controllers for low-
speed peripherals such as printers,
keyboards, and cassette drives — a
frequently overlooked fact. In the
last year we have seen a number of
new serial I/O devices.

In the past, serial data streams
were interpreted using synchronous
or asynchronous byte-oriented pro-
tocols. The “grandaddy” of all serial
I/O devices was probably the West-
ern Digital 1602 which supported
asynchronous protocol only. NEC
slightly modified the 1602 to gener-
ate the ^PD369, an asynchronous
part, and the nPD379, a synchronous
part. But all of these early designs
were overtaken by Intel’s 8251 and
Motorola’s MC6850, which offered
synchronous and asynchronous pro-
tocols on a single chip and were
easily designed into a microcompu-
ter system. (Whenever you look at
the Intel 8251 , always remember that
AMD has a much more capable en-
hancement, the AMD 9551.)

For those of you who are still
primarily using asynchronous com-
munications protocol, National
Semiconductor's new 8250 ACE is
probably the ultimate asynchronous-
only part. The 8250 is powerful, easy
to interface and easy to program.

For those of you who are primarily
using synchronous protocols, the
old byte-oriented monosync and bi-
sync protocols have largely been
displaced by SDLC and HDLC.
These are bit-oriented protocols
with a whole new philosophy aimed
at increased throughput. Many new
synchronous serial I/O parts are
available, some of them supporting
SDLC only while others support
SDLC together with earlier synchro-
nous protocols.

Zilog's Z80-SIO device was the
first multi-protocol part to be an-
nounced. Unfortunately, the Z80-SIO
device still has a few minor ‘‘fea-
tures" which you have to design
around; however, it offers two serial
I/O channels with asynchronous,
synchronous and SDLC protocols
all on a single chip. Intel’s 8273 is
primarily an SDLC part with more
SDLC capabilities than the Z80-SIO
device but very limited non-SDLC
capabilities. The 8273 supports
IBM’s SDLC loop mode.

A trio of very similar parts are the
Fairchild F3846, the Signetics 2652
and the Motorola MC6854. These
three parts appear to have been
heavily influenced by the same de-

sign concepts. All three support
SDLC and HDLC protocols, plus (to
varying degrees) synchronous byte-
oriented protocols. The capabilities
of these three parts are, as we might
expect, in order of their appearance:
the Fairchild 3846 is the most recent
and probably the most powerful, the
MC6854 comes in the middle, and
the Signetics 2652, being the oldest,
is possibly the most error-free but
the least versatile. The 3846 is the
only device with complete and ac-
curate IBM bisync protocol, imple-
mented in chip logic. Before you
start using the newest part, remem-
ber my well-known warning: "He who
buys on the cutting edge of tech-
nology shall be sacrificed upon it."

Don’t rush into using brand new
parts before considering the advan-
tages of using something that is on
the verge of becoming obsolete. It
will spring no surprises on you.

While on the subject of serial I/O
devices and telephone communica-
tions, the Personal Computer Net-
work Committee (PCNET) are solicit-
ing donations (as a non-profit volun-
teer organization). Here is a worthy
cause for any of you with a little
cash to spare. They are looking for
donations of $100 for a retaining
member, $250 for a sustaining mem-
ber, $500 for a sponsoring member,
and $1,000 for a philanthropic mem-
ber. I realize most hobbyists do not
have enough money to buy the RAM
boards they need, but surely there
are a few who can help PCNET. If
you can, write to:

Personal Computer Network
(PCNET) Committee

701 Welsh Road, Suite 226

Palo Alto, CA 94304

The PCNET Committee’s project
is possibly the most significant con-
tribution to personal computing that
I have seen in the last 12 months. By
making available data bases and
telephone communications at rea-
sonable cost, they greatly enhance
the usefulness of every personal
computer. But there is one more
reason why I really wish PCNET
well: I would like to see them get
solidly established with a single pro-
tocol before we are faced with ten
different incompatible networks
that confuse everyone.

I received a letter from Mr. Ray-
mond M. Glueck, singing the praises
of KEA-Microdesign, their GRAPHIC-
ADD board, and the attitude of Mr.
Ken Anderson (who is KEA-Micro-
design). Mr. Glueck states that he is
chief engineer with a large chemical
company, which makes his com-
ments all the more meaningful. It is
very rare that someone takes the

46 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

CREATE YOUR OWN SYSTEM!

ALPHA MAINFRAME

Xitan's Alpha Mainframe provides the perfect housing for our high
performance component boards The mainframe supplies eight slots on
an S-100 bus mother board and includes a fully fused power supply and
cooling fan. The back of the Alpha mainframe provides eight cut-outs, on
one inch centers, for attaching connectors for use with I/O peripherals

ALPHA DISK SYSTEM

The Alpha Disk System provides two 5’/i inch disk drives and more than
b30K (160 full, single-spaced pages of text) of mass storage Utilizing our
Dual Density Disk Controller the system may be expanded up to a total of
eight drives I two additional minis and four full size). This versatility
allows the Alpha Disk System to expand to fill your needs. Plug compatible
with the Alpha mainframe, the Alpha Disk System is supplied with Xitan's
exclusive ELDOS operating system and a full package of newly-enhanced
Xitan system software

The Processor

The Xilan ZPU-2 provides power and capabilities unmatched by ans
other processor module for the S-100 bus Coupling the power of a 4MHz
Z80-A processor to the system support options available creates a module
which satisfies any requirement of today's applications environment Can
be switch selected to4MHz or 2MHz when required We recommend using
Xitan's fast K series (4MHz) memory boards A jumper selectable wait state
generator is provided for use with slower systems

The ZPU-2 options include: Memory mapping up to 1 Megabyte: Four
channel DMA controller; Vectored interrupt controller and Triple counter./
interval timer Also, a floating point processor may be added to enhance
your system when high speed mathematical functions are required This is
especially useful in scientific and engineering applications
NOTE: /-BO is a reRistered trademark of Zilog Corporation

- available in 32K, 48K, 64K or 128K

Xitan's K Series Dynamic Memory Boards have the fastest speed, highest
density and lowest power consumption of any memory boards available The
boards are engineered to work at 4MHz without wait states, when used with
Xitan's ZPU-2. Memory refresh is transparent and is performed only when
necessary Superior noise suppression is attained by power and ground
grids and ceramic bypass filters.

Don't get caught short on memory, most users upgrade their micro-
computer system memory within six months because they bought too little
too soon.

Any of these Dynamic Memory Boards can be used to develop an
excellent system When the memory mapping option of the ZPU-2 is used,
up to 1 Megabyte of memory can he co-resident in the system

System Control

The Xitan SeriaUntenupt-ROM (SIR) board added to your system allows
program management and allows you to add up to seven peripheral devices.
The SIR combines a number of features allowing it to replace several
boards, keeping your system compact

Five serial ports and two 8-bit parallel ports are provided to interface
with commonly used microcomputer peripherals, such as TTY. CRT. etc.
The serial jumper ports allow selectable baud rates from 110 to 9600
The SIR has an eight line programmable vectored interrupt controller
to maintain program management and generates a real time interrupt signal
The SIR board provides sockets for up to 16K byte ROM (user furnished
2708 s or 2716's) for building resident programs and preserving RAM for
data and/or other programs. A jumper selectable MWRI TE signal is genefated
for those systems which require this signal but which lack a front-panel

AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED XITAN DEALER.
FOR THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF YOUR LOCAL DEALER, WRITE

1101-H State Road, Princeton, New jersey 08540 (609)921-0321

DUAL DENSITY DISK CONTROLLER (DDDC)

Xitan's DDDC will enlarge your system's flexibility by controlling up to
four full and four mini disk drives, simultaneously, for a total of eight drives.
DDDC will record in both single and double density on both 8" full and 5 Vi"
mini-floppy disks Selection is accomplished under software control to mix
and match recording formats and disk sizes

Recording format in single density is IBM compatible, soft sectored;
double density is a M J FM, soft sectored. Crystal controlled WRITE timing is
precompensated to assure accurate READ when used in double density
Bootstrap EPROM and Phase Lock Loop (PLL) data separator. When used
with Xitan's ZPU-2 system support option, the DDDC operates as a DMA
device for enhanced system throughout

The DDDC is compatible with Shugart. PerSci and Micropolis drives,
and any Shugart compatible drive. (Will not work in double density with
Shugart 5" drive).

DDDC ts included in the Alpha Disk System

* NAME -

ADDRESS

I CITY

STATE ZIP.

PHONE

FROM THE FOUNTAINHEAD

Vectored from previous page

time to write spelling out the good deeds of a vendor;
usually they write only to complain. But if KEA-Micro-
design is really doing the job that Mr. Glueck suggests,
this company should definitely be brought to the atten-
tion of all microcomputer users. I would like to solicit
comments from KEA-Microdeslgn customers in particu-
lar and comments about the "good guy” companies in
general. I have had a flood of critical letters aimed at
most manufacturers in the business, and I know that
this represents a one-sided sampling. Would you please
take the time to write and tell me about the good guys,
so that I can publicize their good deeds? Write to me
directly at:

Osborne & Associates
P.O. Box 2036
Berkeley, California 94710

or telephone (415) 548-2805.

If you wish to contact Ken Anderson of KEA-Micro-
design, his address is:

Box 6531, Station A
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M5W 1X4

I received another interesting letter from Database
Computer Systems, P.O. Box 33, Kurait-ONO, Israel.

This company has put together a Technico TMS9900
system for which they are busy generating software.
Those of you who may be interested in obtaining
Technico sgftware should write to Bob Alenco, at
Database Computer Systems. □

NOW A SOLUTION
TO YOUR I/O HEADACHE # 33

MC, BAC, COD accepted

The OE 1 □□□ Terminal is a low cost
stand alone video terminal that
operates quietly and maintenance
free. It will allow you to display on a
monitor or modified T.V. 1 B lines of 64
characters. The characters can be any
of the 96 ASCII alpha numerics, and any
of the 32 special characters. In
addition to upper-lower case capability
it has a scroll up feature and full X-Y
cursor control. All that is required
from your m icrocom puter is 300
baud, RS 232 or 20 mA current loop,
serial data. And if that is not enough
the price is only $275.00 in kit or
$350.00 assembled, plusSB5.00
shipping and handling. To order phone
or write.

OTTO ELECTRONICS

P.O. Box 3066
Princeton, N.J. 06540
603/448-31 65
Dealer Inquiries Invited

N.J. residents add 5°/o sales tax. 0 9

43 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 44

OCTOBER 1978

"Savings Bonds are good for anyone,
regardless of income,” says

Joseph B. Flavin.

/

Joseph B. Flavin,
Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, The
Singer Company.

As proof, the Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of The Singer Company cites the completely
organized Savings Bond program the company offers
its employees, and in which he maintains a very
active personal involvement.

“The Payroll Savings Plan gives employees a
form of savings they can feel comfortable with
. . . anyone who saves is more confident,
less frustrated.

“I don’t have to buy them, but I do
because the Plan is there. We have
Bond-a-Matic, which automatically ^

takes over when FICA payments
have finished. It’s a painless form of uj

saving. You don’t miss it. And as
part of the Singer Company pro-
gram, I personally tell employees
why Bonds are good for me— and V A

good for them.”

Mr. Flavin also feels Bonds . ’

are important to the economy A jr
“because they don’t attack the ‘

area from which corporations
draw their money.”

To receive a free informa- ^
tion kit about the Payroll -

Savings Plan, simply mail , ® J ; \. .

the coupon. t Vjf

Director of Sales
Department of the Treasury
U.S. Savings Bonds Division
Washington, D.C. 20226

. stock
in^mertca.

Buy U. S. Savings Bonds

Yes, send me your free
information kit about the
Payroll Savings Plan.

NAME

POSITION

FIRM

ADDRESS

STATE

CITY

INTERFACE AGE 49

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 14

mm

............ M

A

r

fit

iM fekj

> “ t

1 |

\J

fm

ri

\

{

1 1

k

NEW SOFTWARE FOR
YOUR COMPUTALKER!

SOFTWARE PACKAGE II
to be available October, 78

CTEDIT A new parameter editor

CSEDIT Editor for CSR1 input

CTEST CT-1 Hardware diagnostic

PLAYDATA To hear the data files
MEMVOICE A vocal memory dumper
KEYPLAY Subr. to play letters/digits
PIANO A simple musical keyboard

8080 Assembly Language
*•* Sources included * * *

CPM 8", North Star, Micropolis,
Tarbell, CUTS, MITS ACR,
paper tape

on any of the above media $30.00
calif, res. add 6% sales tax

COMPUTALKER CONSULTANTS

1730 21st Street, AA
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(213) 392-5230

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 7

14* T

THE SSI MICROCOMPUTER SOFTWARE GUIDE

The most comprehensive sources of microcomputer
software ever published.

Thousands of programs available on disk, cassette,
paper tape; in books, listings, and magazines, com-
plete with source addresses. If you have access to a
microcomputer, the SSI Guide is a must!

$7.95

(Postpaid U.S.)

A COMPANION TO
UITERWYK’S BASIC INTERPRETERS
By Dave Gardner

Over 70 memory addresses mapped in MSI and SWTPC
6800 BASICS, plus 30 custom assembled alterations.
Included is an implied GOTO routine, FOR-NEXT-
THEN loops plus much more. Learn about BASIC not
in theory, but by application.

$9.95

(Postpaid U.S.)

Enclose check or money order, foreign orders add $2.00 per Item
Postage payable in U.S. funds.

ss/

t 4327 East Grove Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85040 j

Distributed to dealers through; MICROMEDIA Marketing

By Roger Garrett
Northeastern Regional Editor

A SYSTEM FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL
GRAPHICS DISPLAY

I have always been fascinated by the idea of three-
dimensional television. Unfortunately, most attempts
have involved special glasses worn by the observer, and
the viewer only gets one perspective of the televised im-
age. He looks at a flat screen, and if he walks around the
back of it, he sees the back side of a TV set, not the back
side of the image. Holography (laser photography) may
hold some hope for the future but does not appear feas-
ible at present. I believe, however, that I have an idea for
developing a true three-dimensional system that hobby-
ists could experiment with.

50 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 52

OCTOBER 1978

Suppose we take a simple LED (light emitting diode)
with a power supply and an on-off switch. We mount the
LED at some arbitrary point in space. We can then repre-
sent a point in space by turning the LED on or the
absence of that point in space by turning it off.

Next, we mount the LED on a movable track so that it
can be moved quickly back and forth in a linear fashion.
Let’s say the range of movement is twenty inches. In-
stead of a manual switch to turn the LED on and off, we
control it with a computer. The computer is set up so
that it knows the exact position of the LED along its
path at any given moment. We can then store informa-
tion representing any set of points and line segments in-
to the memory of the computer and, with proper pro-
gramming, have the computer display those points and
lines by turning the LED on and off at the appropriate
times as it (the LED) moves along the track. By moving
the LED back and forth along its track at a rate of sixty
times a second, the human eye does not have time to
perceive the individual positions so it sees it as a line or
a point. The computer could even make the points and
lines appear to move.

For the next step in the development of our system,
we substitute a linear array of LEDs mounted on a track
which moves the array so that it “sweeps out" a plane of
space rather than a simple line in space. Again, each
LED is under computer control, and the computer
knows the position of the array at any given moment. We
store into the computer memory information represent-
ing a slice of space, say twenty inches by twenty inches.
If, for example, it represented a simple plane through an

(bo

systems, in c.

Boards ®© Something

If your system needs to know Uh A' 11 f ~ f ']

what time it is, our CL2400 is | |

the board for you. The present P •£, ■ ■ ■

time in hours, minutes, and sec- ! X* ,~t a jy 3 T

onds is always available for input,

and is continuously updated by 1

the highly accurate 60 Hz power CL2400 Real Time Clock

line frequency. Need periodic in- $98/ Kit $135/ Assembled

tenrups? The CL2400 can do

that, too, at any of 6 rates. Reference manual with BASIC and
assembly language software examples included.

If your system needs on/off con-
trol of lights, motors, appli-
ances, etc., our PC3200 System
components are for you. Con-
trol boards allow one 1/0 port to
control 32 (PC3232) or 16
(PC3216) external Power Con-
trol Units, such as the PC3202
which controls 120 VAC loads to
400 Watts. Optically isolated, low
voltage, current-limited control
lines are standard in this growing
product line.

P.O. Box 516
La Canada. CA 91011
(213) 790-7957

o O *

f

PC3200

Power Control System
PC3232 $ 299/Kit S360/A»m

PC3216 $189 /Kit $240/Assm

PC3203 $39 50/Kit $ 52/Assm.

(formerly comptek)

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 6

\0^

\a

tv

x&’

12

1 .

to

\o° v

\t*°-

Administrative Systems. Incorporated
(A.S.I.). producer of the MEDlCAL/DENTAL
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE/BILLING software
package for 8080 /Z 80 based microcom-
puters. is looking for distributors in some
areas. A fixed license fee allows you to
modify and distribute this software to end-
users as many times as you wish If you
have experience with microcomputers, or
have been working with the medical/dental
market, you may be qualified to distribute
this sophisticated software package For
complete details, contact us . while
there's still lime.

ADMINISTRATIVE
'STEMS

□□SYSl
□□□INC
□□

1(>42 south parkcr road suite 100 denver, Colorado H0211 (IOI) 7 r r» WM

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 1

INTERFACE AGE 51

the LEDs in the array. Just as the points and lines could
be made to move in one dimension in the previous
setup, the plane figures in this setup could be made to
move in two dimensions. It would have the general ap-
pearance of a common television set.

Now let’s extend the idea further. Suppose we take a
two-dimensional matrix of LEDs approximately 1024 by
1024, or, since I have already noted the comparison, a TV

sweeping out a volume of space, i.e. three dimensions.
The computer holds information representing many
slices of space, perhaps over a thousand such planes,
and displays the appropriate one on the screen or LED
matrix as the surface moves through its discrete posi-
tions along the track. Remember that it is moving back
and forth at a very high rate. The result is a three-
dimensional image in space.

Order UP YOUR
OWN ORGANIZATION!
Today

Books to erase the impossible

A great handbook on how to start and = k

finance a new business. For the r |||f|l

programmer-would be consultant or 1|

the basement homebrewer-turned- § *

entrepreneur. It is recommended in il ' j, ^

the Bank of America Small Business J 1

Reporter and Changing Times magazines. |

372 pp $14.95, plus $.75 postage and g' I

handling. Hardcover. g- I

Send your orders to: | lO B - "’SfiSB

BITS. Inc. j

Dept. 6, P.O. Box 428 SI ' ^

Peterborough, NH 03458

Dial your bank card orders TOLL-FREE: 800-258-5477

• The Best of the Microcomputer

Book Field

• 1 50 Titles

• Self-published Works

• Posters

• T-Shirts

• Special Interest Books & Items

• All Orders Shipped in 24 hours

Write for a FREE CATALOG or
circle the inquiry number on
your reader service card.

52 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. S

OCTOBER 1978

I

Technology has brought the computer within your
grasp. Interface Age puts it in your hands.

The small businessman like yourself is aware of the
progress made in microcomputing.

Articles ranging from the fundamentals of com-
puters to languages and system design, tutorials, ac-
tivities, and new product releases to help you get started
in microcomputing and keep up with the industry.

Get a hold of the information you need. Subscribe to
Interface Age today. Save $7 over newsstand price.

12 Monthly Issues: S14 U.S.; S16 Canada/Mexico: S24 Interna-
tional. 24 Issues: S24 U.S.; S28 Canada/Mexico. 36 Issues:

S36 U.S.; S42 Canada/Mexico.

What you may not have is an update of what is
happening in microcomputer development and what
discoveries might save you money and increase your
computer's usefulness.

Interface Age has the information you need.

In issues you’ve missed we’ve presented...

• A way to improve your chances of success in a business
venture.

• A complete general ledger and payroll accounting
program with documentation.

• A new design for typewriter keyboards that obsoletes
the electric typewriter.

• A program that can assist you in writing reports and
letters.

• A program to plan your investment in income property.

Name

Address _

City State Zip

□ Visa Card □ Master Charge

Acct No Exp. Date

Signature

Check or money order (U.S. Funds drawn on U.S. Bank)

Make checks payable to: INTERFACE AGE MAGAZINE
P.O. Box 1234 Dept A10 Cerritos, CA 90701
□ Please send information on issues available back to 1975.

Copyright 1978 INTERFACE AGE. Inc All Rights Reserved.

Why

Pay More?

Why pay for more printer than you need? Our
series 40 printers offer more features for less
bucks than any other commercial quality printer
on the market today. A complete stand-alone 40
column impact dot matrix printer with a 64
character ASCII set. Includes power supply,
casework and interface electronics. Single
quantity price for the parallel ASCII interface
model is $425. Serial RS232/current loop
interface models start at $575. OEM discounts
available.

For more infor-
mation write to:

MPI 2099 West
2200 South, Salt
Lake City, Utah
84119 or call (801)

973-6053.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 38

8K STATIC RAM

• BUS BUFFERS

- CAN USE VMA OR VMA

• FULLY DECODED TO ANY 8K BLOCK

• LOW POWER 2102 TYPE RAM

• 450 ns ACCESS TIME

• EXORCISOR AND D2 KIT COMPATIBLE

There are, of course, some problems with this. The
screen must be moved back and forth at least sixty
times a second so that the viewer does not perceive im-
age flicker. This has several implications. If we assume
that there are 1024 discrete positions of the screen, then
each slice of the displayed object must be displayed in
one one-thousand-twenty-fourth of one sixtieth of a sec-
ond. That’s a lot of information to display in a very short
time. Initial experiments might be done with consider-
ably fewer slices of space and fewer points per slice.

Moving a TV screen twenty inches back and forth at
sixty cycles per second would require a substantial
amount of energy and would probably result in a lot of
little pieces of TV flying about the room. Even an LED
matrix would have too much mass to withstand the
shaking. The solution is simple.

COMPLETE KIT cat.no SY1-801K S159.00

ASSEMBLED, TESTED cat.no.SY1-801 S229.00

BARE BOARD cat.no.PC-801 S 34.90

KIT WITHOUT 2102's cat.no.SY1-801P S 69.00

SOCKETS KIT cat.no.SOC-801 $ 15.00

ASSEMBLED WITH SOCKETS cat.no.SY1801S S254.00

AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1st

We have an expanding line of products to
compliment your D2 Kit.

Coming soon: Cabinet and power supply.

Write for complete product guide.

MASTERCHARGE • VISA • FOB ALBUQUERQUE

® Registered Trademark ot Motorola

COMPARE OUR PRODUCTS AND PRICES yjuDIO
YOU GET MORE FOR YOUR MONEY FROM NQtNt f RING

1J1 WISCONSIN N E ALBUQUERQUE. N M 87108 PHONE 15051 2S5B45I

We position the screen with a lens system that coli-
mates the image upward. This means that if we display
an image on the screen and place a flat surface any-
where above the lens and perpendicular to the vertical,
the image will be focused on that surface. Now, we
could move the flat surface up and down at sixty cycles
per second while appropriately displaying the slices on
the TV screen, but we will still have a vibration problem.

Suppose, however, that we position a spiral-shaped
plate above the lens system. The plate would be made of
an opaque material so that an image focused on it from
below would be visible from above as well. This plate is
enclosed in a solid circular block of clear plastic. The
block is then rotated about its vertical axis at 60 revolu-
tions per second with the computer knowing its rota-
tional position at any given moment.

54 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 3

OCTOBER 1978

A two-dimensional matrix of LEDs Is
mounted on the track and moved back and forth.

more . . .
BRAIN FOOD

dilithium Press announces more food to feed
you and your computer’s brain. Our new soft-
ware book — 32 BASIC Programs for the Com-
modore PET Computer— is enhanced with five
cassette tapes which include from six to eight
programs per tape.

• o ooo

o oo

666666

6000

Applications Programs— There are a myriad of ways
PETS can help us do useful work. Balance your
checkbook, check your biorhythms and calculate
payments and interest on loans are just some ex-
amples of these six programs.

Educational Programs— With a good software library,
the PET can be a valuable learning center in school or
at home. Make flashcards, math drills, and expand
your vocabulary with these six programs.

Figure 4. The LED matrix sweeps out a volume of space.
The computer, by turning the individual LEDs on and off
at appropriate positions as the matrix moves back and
forth, can display any three-dimensional object and even
make it “move” in space.

CLEAR PLASTIC SOLID

TRANSLUSCENT SPIRAL
PLATE

Figure 5. The spiral plate is cast inside a clear plastic
cylindrical solid block. The plate is transluscent so that an
image projected from the bottom is visible from all angles.

Game Programs— Here are six games for challenge
and fun. Dice games, Roadrace and WARI, an African
game of skill will allow you to match wits with the
computer or a friend.

Mathematics Programs— The computer’s speed and
reliability renders solvable many otherwise difficult
or impossible calculations. These six programs are of
interest to engineers, students, mathematicians, and
others who encounter such problems in their work.

Graphics Display/Miscellaneous— Here are four
graphics programs that are sheer fun. The PET has
special graphic capabilities that are not found on
similar computers. Also on this tape you’ll find four
extra programs for computing odds and calculating
interesting mathematical questions.

Because we know you'll be anxious to test our tapes
to use with your PET computer we’re offering you a
special 10% discount if you order five tapes and the
accompanying book.

32 BASIC Programs for the

Commodore PET Computer $15.95

Each tape 9.95

Prices subject to change without
notice. 50c postage and handling
per volume.

dP

dilithium Press

P.O. Box 92 Dept. 101

Forest Grove, OR 97116

Publishing Personal Computing Books Is Our Business!

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 15

INTERFACE AGE 55

Two Bytes Are Better Than One

RS232C

or

20MA

LOOP

8 VECTORED
INTERRUPTS

1 CHIP
CLOCK

TMS2708

E-PROM

ROGRAMMER

FREE YOURSELF FROM THE ONE BYTE WORLD. MOVE UP TO THE TWO BYTE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS TMS-99C
16-BIT MICROPROCESSOR — WITH OUR — “SUPER STARTER SYSTEM” — TEC-9900-SS. SHOWN ABOVE, FEATURE
HARDWARE MULTIPLY AND DIVIDE, 69 MINI-COMPUTER INSTRUCTIONS, 7 ADDRESSING MODES, EXPANDABL
TO A FULL 65K BYTES; MONITOR, TMS 9900 CPU. RAM, P-ROM, E-PROM, PROGRAMMER ALL ON ONE P-
BOARD BASIC OPERATING SYSTEM AS LOW AS $299 UNASSEMBLED $399 ASSEMBLED AND TESTE
EXPLICIT MANUAL INCLUDED OR AVAILABLE SEPARATELY AT $35, TO LEARN MORE . . .JUST TEAR OF
A PIECE OF THIS AD. PIN TO YOUR LETTERHEAD & RETURN TO TECHNICO OR CALL OUR HOTLINE 1-800/638-281
TO RECEIVE FREE INFO-PACKAGE. —DESIGN & TECH SUPPORT BY ROSSE CORP. circleinouibvno ss

TECHNICO

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9130 Red Branch Rd.
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301 -596-41 00

THE TECHNOLOGY LEADER IN
ELECTRONICS DISTRIBUTION

The trick here is that instead of the computer display-
ing the information associated with flat slices of space,
it displays the information associated with spiral slices
of space corresponding to the spiral shape and rota-
tional position of the plate within the clear plastic block.
During each rotation, the spiral plate sweeps out the full
volume of the block, and by appropriate control of the
images on the TV screen, we can display full three-di-
mensional objects. By utilizing rotational movement, we
have eliminated the vibration problems and made it pos-
sible to view the displayed object from an angle.

Calculating the appropriate images for spiral slices will
prove to be an interesting software problem but should
not be unreasonably difficult. The major obstacle will be
the timing of the displays and the degree of image reso-
lution possible with today's technology.

Figure 6.

The image on the
TV screen is
collimated by a set
of lenses to focus
on the spinning
spiral plate.

TV SCREEN

FACING

UPWARDS

SPIRAL PLATE
SPINNING
AT 60 RPM

$95 Stand Alone Video Terminal

a.Sfb i 9 «, X jJ 0 133— “ W I ****

! " nU ' (. > ++ , -. 01 2456789 : :<= >?
0ABCDEF GH I JKLMNGPQR5TUUWXVZ C _

’■ 9b cd ■? 1 9 h i i k 1 i v « ft o rs t u'v'wx yz*L !

SCT-100 FEATURES:

• 64 X 16 line format with 128 displayable characters
k • Serial ASCII or BAUDOT with multiple Baud rates
• $187 Assembled or $157 Kit (Partial Kit $95)

I Full cursor control with scrolling and paging
• On board power supply
• Many additional features

Call or write today. MC/VISA accepted

XITEX CORP. P.O. Box #20887
Dallas, Texas, 75220 • Phone (214) 386-3859
Overseas orders and dealer inquiries welcome

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 68

INTERFACE AGE 57

One minor drawback that should be considered is that
this does not actually reproduce the object, only the im-
age of the object. As such, you will be able to see through
it. It will appear to be a ghost-like image. You will not be
able to, for example, shine a light on it and get a reflec-
tion. It should, however, be quite useful in displaying
shapes as connected lines. Shading of surfaces may
prove quite difficult.

Yet think what an architect could do, constructing
three-dimensional models of his design and making
dynamic changes to it by simple instructions to a com-
puter. Or how about playing chess with the computer
and having the chessboard displayed and movements
all made in 3D. Maybe even a Star Trek game could be
programmed, with the Enterprise and enemy ships ac-
tually flying about in space, firing little beams of light at
each other. Sounds fascinating. □

KIM-1 ™ ACCESSORIES FROM MTU

TyJi.i

mm

tfnij

•mu i

VISIBLE MEMORY
Graphic Display K-1008

• 320 wide 200 high bit mapped graphics

• 8K byte onboard refresh memory

• Use as display, memory expansion, or both!

• Graphics and text display software available

• Direct KIM interface, no external logic needed

• KIM memory expansion signals provided

• Can use with other 6502/6800 systems @
1.0MHz

• No wait states, no snow, and no processor
overhead to refresh display

• 75 ohm standard video 1.2V P-P (non-interlace)

• Low power: -4-8 <gr 25A, 4 16 @ .25A un-
regulated

• Assembled A tested $289.00, bare board
$40.00

• Graphics subroutine pack & demo program
$ 20.00

CARD FILE WITH
MOTHERBOARD K-1005
i Expansion boards fit under the KIM

* KIM and 4 expansion boards require no more
table space than the KIM alone

■ Only the KIM is exposed

• All expansion boards are protected

» KIM and expansion boards rigidly supported

■ Unbuffered KIM bus is well shielded

i5 slots and backplane are preassembled

■ KIM application connector also prewired

■ Power input via 5 point terminal strip

■ Chromated aluminum A glass epoxy con-
struction

■ Assembled and tested $68.00

POWER SUPPLY
K-1000

• Meets KIM specifications

• Extra power for accessories

• Black bakelite enclosed

• 5 point terminal strip

• Fully protected

• Guaranteed ratings
110-125 VAC line voltage
4 5 volts— 1.2 amps

4 12 volts— 100MA
♦ 8 volts— 750MA unreg.

4 16 volts— 250MA unreg

• Assembled, tested $30.00

8 BIT AUDIO SYSTEM
K-1002

• D/A converter. 8 bits

• 3.5 kHz LP filter. 6 pole

• Audio power amplifier, 100MW

• Connects to 8 bit port

• Fantastic music software (KIM)
4 Voice harmony

Fourier derived waveforms
Different wave per voice
Music compiler A interpreter

• Speech synthesis possible i

• Assembled A tested $35.00

• Software pack/cassette $13.00

Micro Technology Unlimited

P.O. Box 4596 Manchester NH
29 Mead Street 03108 ...

5 8 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 34

OCTOBER 1978

ONLY IIICC.I GIVES YOU A CHOICE... Disk or Tape... or Both.
Have it your way.

. . . nl|»li;i -1 first (stand-alone Tape System),
buy later.

. . . licit .'1-1 first (stand-alone Disk System),
buy ;il|»li;i-l later.

... ;il|»li;i-f and llclt.l-l (Disk and Tape)
INTEGRATED SYSTEM.

Disk Software available

— M EC A D.O.S. Included at no additional charge.

— CP/M' D.O.S. for S98.00 (includes Editor, Assembler,
Debugger and BASIC-E).

— Microsoft Extended Disk BASIC for SI 95.00.

Ask about the Applications Software MECA has available.

S699 price includes S-100 Bus Double Density (MFM)

Disk Controller for up to 3 Double-Sided Disk Drives, one
Mini-Floppy Single-Sided Disk Drive, Power Supply, cable
and connector, full Documentation and MECA D.O.S.
Software on 5Vi" Disk.

Enclosure for DELTA-1 available for additional charge.

•CP/M is it registered trademark of Digital Research

D E LT A-1 Customers will be given the opportunity to
upgrade from single-sided to double-sided disk drives
when they become available. Trade-in of single-sided
drive will allow you S1 10 credit toward the purchase
of your double-sided drive.

North Star Owners

Upgrade your present system for only Si 99.00 using your
present SA400 Drives.

System Buyers

Ask about MECA's fully assembled and tested computer
systems.

NOTICE: All prices will increase significantly after
December, 1978.

For complete details, call or write

iiiecti

P.0. Box 696*7026 O.W.S. Road
Yucca Valley, California 92284 *(714) 365-7686

QnnAMHAAA tkn . k l4«_4
miiiivmiiuuu iiiu iiviifl I

- . ^

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 27

INTERFACE AGE 59

Osborne & Associates announces two new books. . .

AN INTRODUCTION TO MICROCOMPUTERS:
VOLUME 2 - SOME REAL MICROPROCESSORS
VOLUME 3 - SOME REAL SUPPORT DEVICES

There are hundreds of microprocessor books on
the market today, but there's nothing like Volumes
2 and 3. These books provide the only detailed
descriptions of real products from an independent
source.

NEW MICROPROCESSORS

Volume 2 describes individual microprocessors and
support devices commonly used only with the
parent microprocessor. The new edition represents
a massive expansion of our previous Volume 2;
among other new material it includes the first
detailed description of the Intel 8086 16-bit
microprocessor.

NEW SUPPORT DEVICES

Volume 3 describes support devices that can be
used with any microprocessor. The majority of this
book is new material; in particular it has one of the
most comprehensive discussions of memory
devices ever printed.

Between Volumes 2 and 3. every microprocessor
and most support devices available today are de-
scribed — in detail, and from an independent

NEW UPDATES

Because of the tremendous amount of material
that Volumes 2 and 3 must cover, these books have
been written to be updated on a regular bimonthly
schedule. Six update sections for each of the two
volumes may be purchased on a yearly subscrip-
tion basis. Each update will describe new products,
or products not covered in the original volumes;
updates also provide additional information for
products already included, and errata pages for
previous text.

NEW FORMAT

For your convenience, Volumes 2 and 3 are printed
in loose leaf form and may be purchased with or
without a binder.

The 19 7 8 edition of Volume 2 and the new Volume 3
of AN INTRODUCTION TO MICROCOMPUTERS will
be available at the end of September. To order
these or other Osborne & Associates publications,
check the appropriate boxes below.

PRICE QTY

Volume 2 — Some Real Microprocessors

14-4

1978 Edition — With Binder

15-2 Without Binder

16-0 Binder alone

Volume 3 — Some Real Support Devices

18-7 Without Binder

19-5 Binder alone

Volume 2 and 3 Updates (Subscription
to six issues of each senes)

Volume 2 Updates only (six issues)

Volume 3 Updates only (six issues)

• 6'/»%. SF Bay Area residents only

•6%. California residents outside SF Bay Area

• Payment in advance must be enclosed for
purchases of up to $70.00. Invoicing for
purchases of $70.00 or more tn the U.SA.
available upon approval of your account. All
fore«gn orders must be prepaid in US. doftars
drawn on a U S bank.

OSBORNE & ASSOCIATES. INC.
V P.O. Box 2036 DEPT. C23

Berkeley, California 94702 U.S.A.

(415) 548 2805
TWX 910-366 7277

Sales Tax
(Calif, residents only)
Shipping Charges

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED

SHIPPING CHARGES: Shipping lor large orders to be arranged.

UPDATE SUBSCRIPTIONS:

□ All foreign orders $4.00 per 6 -issue subscnption for airmail

□ No extra charge in the U S. • 4th Class Ma4 ONLY.

BOOKS:

□ Al foreign orders. S3. 00 per book, for air shipment I

□ 4th class $0 35 per book (alow 3-4 weeks within USA. not applicable to discounted orders)

□ $0.75 per book. UPS (allow 10 days) m the U S

□ $1.50 per book, special rush shipment by air in the U S.

Please send information on:

□ Other O&A publications

□ Becorrong an O&A dealer

□ School discounts

□ List of foreign distributors

□ More information on Volumes 2 and 3

60 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 43

OCTOBER 1978

1978 INDEX
to Microcomputer and
Minicomputer Hardware

What is the microcomputer industry made up of?
Hardware, of course. The problem is that within a short
three years, the industry has grown from just a few manu-
facturers to several hundred.

During these years, INTERFACE AGE has provided
more pages to listing new products than any other maga-
zine serving the industry. However, we felt that more was
necessary, and have answered the problem in the form
of an index to available hardware in this issue, to be fol-
lowed by an index to available software in the November
issue. December will bring the third index of available
microcomputer books and literature. All three indexes
are in response to suggestions from both readers and
industry spokesmen, and consequently reflect what we
feel to be the desired format.

HARDWARE

The term hardware is meaningless as a word by itself
since it can mean anything from a picture hanger to an
IBM 370. For the purposes of this industry, hardware are
the microcomputer systems, either as a mainframe, or a

complete system, or disks and tape units, power supplies,
I/O cards and memory cards. Hardware is the physical
boxes, cards and wires that make up a computer system.
Each piece of hardware performs some function within
the unit whole and as such is a separate entity by itself.

Hundreds of articles have been written on the func-
tional purpose of each hardware piece, and even how to
integrate them into a complete unit. Within the hardware
scheme is the term “iron" which is usually defined as
that box which contains all the hardware pieces to be a
functional computer of some sort. Therefore, iron, al-
though by definition a piece of hardware, becomes sep-
arate as a hardware item.

What this is all leading up to is that hardware and iron
refer to different components and are sometimes hard
to find or differentiate from, depending upon a person’s
specific needs. The purpose of this index is not to de-
fine each hardware piece as to functional purpose, but
to provide a list of what is available to the computer user
market and an index to OEMs or system houses that are
preparing finished end products.

Table of Contents

MICROCOMPUTER SYSTEMS 62

PERIPHERALS 65

DISKS/TAPES 68

TERMINALS 70

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 61

REFERENCE EXAMPLE

•Company Name or 'COMPANY NAME

Company Address

Company Phone Number Person to contact
Product Name

Product Description

MICROCOMPUTER SYSTEMS

• AB ATEW

Box 125, S-642 00 FLEN, SWEDEN
Telex, 641 20 ATEW S
LYS 16

16-bit CPU system — using GPC/P 4-bit slice processors
•Alpha Micro Systems
17875N Skypark North, Irvine. CA 92714
(714) 957-1404 Attn: Bob Hitchcock

AM-100

16-bit microcomputer system

• Andromeda Systems Inc.

14701 Arminta Street, Suite J, Panorama City, CA 91402
(213) 781-6000 Atten: Les Lazar

Model 11/B

LSI-11 based dual floppy system

Model 11/H

LSI-11 based cartridge disk system

Model 11/M

LSI-11 based mini-floppy system

• APF Electronics Inc.

444 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022
(212) 758-7550 Attn: Neil Lipper

PeCos I

Complete system with cassettes and derivative of the
Rand Joss language.

• BILLING COMPUTER CORPORATION

2000 E. Billing Avenue, Provo, UT 84601
(801) 375-0000 Attn: National Sales Director

DC-1204

Business accounting system CPU, hard disk, printer and CRT

• CMC Marketing Corporation

5601 Bintliff, Suite 515, Houston, TX 77036

(713) 783-8880 Attn: Bill Tatroe
TEI PT212/80

Self contained system, CRT, disk storage, ASCII keyboard

• Computall Corporation

2740 S. Harbor Boulevard, Suite "K", Santa Ana, CA 92704

(714) 754-7854 Attn: Al Whedon
CS-20

Data General commercial sytem printer, disk, CRT

Micro Nova 9070

Data General business system complete package

Micro Nova 9045

Data General business system complete package

LSI 4

Computer Automation complete business system

• Computer Hardware Inc.

4111 North Freeway Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 929-2020 Attn: Roger Lotz

The Time Machine

Digital cassette/computer system for employee identifi-
cation and time keeping

• Computerware

830 First Street, Encinitas, CA 92064
(714) 436-3512 Attn: Sales Manager
CBS

Small business system CRT, 80-132 column printer, floppy
disk
C-3D

Software development system, CRT, 80-132 column printer,
floppy disk, PROM board, PROM programmer

• Cromemco Inc.

280 Bernardo Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94043

(415) 964-7400 Attn: Dr. Alice Ahlgren

Cs-3

System Three computer, 4MHz 2-80A, 32K RAM, RS 232
and parallel interface

Our MacroFloppy
goes twice the distance.

For *695.

Introducing the Micropolis MacroFloppy r “1041 and 1042 disk drive sub-
systems For the S-100/8080/Z-80 bus Packing 100% more capacity into a
5%-mch floppy disk than anyone else. 143K bytes, to be exact For as little
as 5695

The MacroFloppy: 1041 comes with the Micropolis Mod l floppy packaged
inside a protective enclosure (without power supply! And includes an S-100
controller Interconnect cable Micropolis BASIC User's Manual A diskette con-
taining Micropolis BASIC, and a compatible DOS with assembler and editor
The 1041 is even designed to be used either on your desk top. or to be inte-
grated right into your S-100 chassis

The MacroFloppy:1042 comes with everything the 1041 has. and more.
Such as d.c regulators, its own line voltage power supply, and. to top it off.
a stnking cover Making it look right at home just about anywhere

Both MacroFloppy systems are fully assembled, tested, burned-m. and
tested again For zero start-up pain, and long term reliability. They're also
backed up by our famous Micropolis factory warranty

And both systems are priced just right. 5695 for the MacroFloppy: 1041
and 5795 for the MacroFloppy:1042

You really couldn't ask for anything more.

At Micropolis. we have more bytes in store for you.

For a descnptive brochure, in the U.S. call or write Micropolis
Corporation. 7959 Deering Avenue. Canoga Park, California 91304 Phone
(213) 703-1121

Or better yet. see your local dealer

„.*!**'•*■

MICROPOLIS

More bytes in store for you.

62 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 32

OCTOBER 1978

* CyberGrafix Advertising Design

20201 Staff Street, Canoga Park. CA 91306
(213)341 0350 Attn: Shela Clarke

INFO 2000

Complete business system

* Data General

Route 9, Westboro, MA 01581

(617) 366-8911 Ext. 4756 or 4752 Attn: Howard Steiner
CS/20

Compact desk top business unit

MCB 1

Single board computer 16-bit for data acquisition

• DATA WORLD Inc.

7541 Ravensridge Drive, St. Louis, MO 63119
(314) 961-2229 Attn: Kenneth Taggart
VP Series

Desk top business system, CRT, floppy disk, keyboard,
primarily aimed for OEM market

* Data Terminals and Communications

590 Division Street, Campbell, CA 95008
(415) 326-6141 Attn: Bruce Brough
TaskMaster

Total integrated small business system, disks, CRT, con-
sole and daisywheel printer

• Dynabyte, Inc.

1005 Elwell Court, Palo Alto, CA 94303
(415) 494-7817 Attn: Rich Mehrlich

Basic Controller™

Single board controller with ZIBL — BASIC like language,
Z-80, serial and parallel I/O, cassette I/O, keyboard port

DB8/2

Disk based computer system with two 5.25 inch disk drives

• EXIDY, Data Products Division

969 W. Maude Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 736-2110 Attn: Paul Terrell
Sorcerer™

Basic system self contained with keyboard, uses ROM
cassette, requires video unit

* General Instrument Corporation

300 Shames Drive, Westbury, NY 11590
(516) 333-9500 Attn: George Weiss

Series 7000

Total turnkey system with disk and tape storage system

* IMSAI Manufacturing Corporation

14860 Wicks Boulevard, San Leandro, CA 94577

(415) 483-2093 Attn: Walt Slater

VDP-80

8085 based system 32/64K RAM, CRT, disks and keyboard

VDP-40

8085 based system 32/64K RAM, CRT, 5.25 inch disks,
keyboard

* Interact Electronics Inc.

P.O. Box 8140, Ann Arbor, Ml 48107
(313) 973-0120 Attn: Michael Tucker

Model One Home computer

Built in keyboard, cassette tape deck, requires video unit

*The Interpring Group Inc.

50 Hunt Street, Watertown, MA 02172
(617)926-1510 Attn: Sharon Rogolsky
Summa/11

LSI-11 based microsystem complete

* Lear Siegler Inc., Data Products Division

714 N. Brookhurst, Anaheim, CA 92803
(714) 774-1010 Attn. John Pagliaro
VDP-1000

Complete data system with CRT and printer

* Logical Machine Corporation

1294 Hammerwood Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408)744-1290 Attn: Steven Sester

ADAM THE YOUNGER

Small business system, desk top unit, CPU, keyboard, twin
floppy disks, printer

MetaFloppy

goes

MICROPnLIS"

More bytes in store for you.

The Micropolis MetaFloppy™’ gives you more than four times the capacity of
anyone else's 5%-inch floppy Because it uses 77 tracks instead of the usual 35
The field-proven MetaFloppy. with thousands of units delivered, comes
in a complete family of models And. like our MacroFloppv" 1 family of disk
drives, MetaFloppy is designed for the S-100/8080/Z-80 bus

For maximum capacity, choose our new MetaFloppy1054 system Which
actually provides you with more than a million bytes of reliable on-line stor-
age. For less money than you'd believe possible

The MetaFloppy: 1054 comes complete with four drives in dual config-
uration A controller Power supply. Chassis. Enclosure All cabling. A new BASIC
software package And a DOS with assembler and editor There's even a built-
in Autoload ROM to eliminate tiresome button pushing
If that's more storage than you need right now, try our
MetaFloppy.1053. with 630,000 bytes on-line Or our Meta-
Floppy: 1043, with 315,000 bytes on-line. Either wav, you can
expand to over a million bytes on-line in easy stages, when you
need to. Or want to.

in other words, if your application keeps growing, weVe got
you covered. With MetaFloppy

The system that goes beyond the floppy.

For a descriptive brochure, in the U S call or wnte Micropolis
Corporation. 7959 Deering Avenue, Canoga Park. California 91304
Phone (213) 703-1121

Or better yet. see your local dealer

beyond.

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 96

INTERFACE AGE 63

• Micro V Corporation

17777 S.E. Main Street, Irvine, CA 92714
(714) 957-1517 Attn: Art Shahan
Microstar 25

Complete desktop business system based on 8085, floppy
disk controller, two RS232 serial ports.

Microstar 55

Multi-user small business system with a data base manage-
ment system

• Microproducts

1024 17th Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(213) 374-1673 Attn: Sales Manager

Superkim

Single board control computer — compatible with KIM-1
software and most APPLE II hardware interfaces.

• Morrow Computer & Electronic Design Inc.

315 Wilhagan Road, Nashville, TN 37217

Attn: Sales Manager

SYNAPSE/10

8080 based microcomputer for data acquisition

• NOVAL Inc.

7044 Convoy Court, San Diego, CA 92111
Attn: Sales Manager
NOVAL 770

Business system housed in wood desk, 48K RAM, CRT,
dual floppy disk drives and interface to printer

• North Star Computers

2547 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94702
(415) 549-0858 Attn: T. Burt
HORIZON

Microcomputer system with SOROC terminal and floppy
disks

• Ohio Scientific

1333 S. Chillicothe Road, Aurora, OH 44202
(216) 562-3101 Attn: National Sales Manager
C3-B

Winchester disk based microcomputer system, with triple

processor board 6502A, 6800, and Z-80. Also 48K RAM

• Olson Electronics

Contact any local Olson store
MP-232

Business system, 32K memory, CRT, keyboard with numeric
pad, dual floppy disk drives, dot matrix printer

• Pertec Computer Corporation, Microsystems Division
21111 Erwin Street, Woodland Hills, CA 90049
(213)999-2020 Attn: Neil McElwee

MITS 300

Complete hardware and software system, hard disk and
soft disk

• PolyMorphic Systems

460 Ward Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(212)986-6668 Attn: Otto Janssen
System 8813

Complete system with floppy disks, CRT monitor and
keyboard

• Process Computer Systems, Inc.

750 N. Maple Road, Saline, Ml 48176
(313)429-4971 Attn: Tim Pellegrino
3800B

Z-80 based development system — 32K memory, dual flop-
pies, EPROM programmer, CRT terminal and peripheral
interfaces

• Quay Corporation

P.O. Box 386, Freehold, NJ 07728
(201) 681-8700 Attn: John Lacatel
90F/MPS

Single board Z-80 based microcomputer with floppy con-
troller

• R2E of America

3406 University Avenue S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414
(216) 562-9908 Attn: Ronald Larsen
Micral Cm

Multiple microcomputer system for multi terminal opera-
tions, 8080 based, 16K of RAM, CRT and minifloppies

IN ELECTRONICS pK HAS THE LINE...

DIP/ 1C INSERTION TOOL with PIN STRAIGHTENER

OK MACHINE AND TOOL CORPORATION

3455 CONNER STREET. BRONX. NEW YORK. N.Y. 10475 U.S.A.
PHONE (21?) 994 6600 TELEX NO 125091

64 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 42

OCTOBER 1978

•ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL, Electronic Devices Division
5310 Miraloma Avenue, P.O. Box 3669, Anaheim, CA 92803
(714) 632-2321 Attn: Leo Scanlon

AIM 65

Single module microcomputer with an on-board 20 column
printer
SYSTEM 65

Floppy disk based R6500 development system, 2 floppies,
1 6K memory

• RCA/Electro-Optics and Devices
Route 202, Somerville, NJ 08876
(201) 685-6423 Attn: Walt Dennen

VIP

Home computer based on RCA COSMAC (CDP1802), 16-key
keypad, cassette interface
•Space Byte Computer Corporation
6464 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
(213) 468-8085 Attn: Milt Hubatka
Space Byte

Computer business system with dual disks, printer, CRT
and work station

• S.D.S. Technical Devices LTD

P.O. Box 1998, Winnipeg, Canada R3C 3R3
(204) 944-1448 Attn: George Sagi
TDS-M68

Computer in an attache case, teaching and developmental
system based on 6800.

•System Computer and Interfaces

223 Crescent Street, Waltham, MA 02154
(617) 899-2359 Attn: Edward Letscher
SCI 8010

Single board computer, IK RAM, 8K sockets for EAPROM

• Vector Graphic Inc.

31364 Via Colinas, Westlake Village, CA 91361
(213) 991-2302 Attn: Lori Harp

Vector MZ

Z-80 based complete system with dual floppies, 12K PROM/
RAM board, 32K RAM

Vector 2

Z-80 based self-contained desk top microcomputer

• XITAN Inc.

P.O. Box 3087, 1101-H State Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 921-0321 Attn: Chris Rutkowski

GENERAL

Z-80A based system, 32K RAM, one micro floppy — basic-
ally word processing system

• ZEDA Computer Systems

1662 W. 820 N„ Provo, UT 84601
(801)377-9948 Attn: Clair Smith

Video Computer

Compact video computer for business or OEM applications,
Z-80A based, mini-floppy, 48K RAM

•ZILOG

10340 Bubb Road, Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 446-4666 Attn: Dave West
MCZ-1/05

OEM oriented micro system based on Z-80, with two dual
floppies

PERIPHERALS

• Anderson Jacobson

521 Charcot Avenue, San Jose, CA 95131
(408) 263-8520 Attn: Bob Miller
A 242 A/36

DEC compatible LA 36 teleprinter acoustic coupler

• AXIOM

5932 San Fernando Road, Glendale, CA 91202
(213) 245-9244 Attn: Simon Harrison
EX-801 P

Parallel ASCII input electrosensitive printer
EX-801S

RS232/20ma serial input electrosensitive printer

EX-801 H

9600 serial input electrosensitive printer

VJP' 2

'?*** \ a.*-*"

<o^ pp£0

^ . .«*-***? Spec*' *£«*#*'

uoVTi

trod'

no 3 '

$39°°

^60 3 °

Sc®

atP'° e

C®

,TtW> 8 '

Ca

gQ70l

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. <0

NEW SOFTWARE
AVAILABLE FOR

North Star ★ Computers

The following software is now being offered for use on
tire North Star disk systems and Horizon Computers.

CP/M” FDOS and Utilities

From $145

Microsoft FORTRAN-80

$400

Microsoft COBOL-80

$625

Microsoft Disk Extended BASIC

$300

Xitan SUPER BASIC

(A3)

$99

Xitan DISK BASIC

(A3+)

$159

Xitan Z-TEL Text Editor

(A3. A3+)

$69

Xitan Text Output Processor

(A3. A3+)

N/A

Xitan Macro ASSEMBLER

(A3. A3+)

S69

Xitan Z-BUG

(A3+)

S89

Xitan LINKER

(A3+)

$69

Xitan Package A3 (as keyed above)

$249

Xitan Package A3+ (as keyed above)

$409

Xitan Fortran IV

$349

C BASIC Compiler/Interpreter BASIC

$95

MAC Macro Assembler

SI0O

SID Symbolic Instruction Debugger

$85

TEX Text Formatter

S85

BASIC-E Compiler/ Interpreter BASIC

S30

Accounts Receivable

ST 50

NAD Name & Address Processor

S79

QSORT Disk File Sort/Merge Utility

S95

Available from computer stores nationwide or order
direct from:

LIFEBOAT ASSOCIATES
164 W. 83rd Street
New York, N Y. 10024
(212) 580-0082

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 65

• C. ITOH Electronics Inc.

5301 Beethoven Street, Los Angeles, CA 90025
(213) 390-2668 Attn: Ken Hidaka

820

80 column dot matrix impact printer mechanism for 9.5-
inch multi ply forms

• CALCOMP, California Computer Products Inc.

2411 West La Palma Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801
(714) 821-2541 Attn: Carol Felton

Model 1012

Drum plotter desk unit that operates up to 10 inches per
second, uses four pens and Z-fold paper

•CENTRONICS Data Computer Corporation
Hudson, NH 03051

(603) 883-01 1 1 Attn: Chuck Clemente

Model 765

1200 bps teleprinter for the high asynchornous trans-
mission speed range

•COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

3030 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 332-9401 Attn: Arthur Jopling
M DS-BOO/PRO-LOG SERIES 90
PROM programmer adapter to allow direct control and
communication with a Pro-Log series 90 PROM programmer

•COMPUTER TEXTile

10960 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1504, Los Angeles, CA 90024
(213) 477-2196 Attn: Sales Manager

SPRINT 5

Qume SPRINT 5 daisywheel printing terminal

• Computronics Engineering

7235 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90046
(213) 876-3326 Attn: J.B. Stanton
HEXADECIMAL label keyboard
16-key zero bounce keyboard for data entry

• Cromemco Inc.

280 Bernardo Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94043
(415) 964-7400 Attn: Alice Ahlgren

3703

Line printer 180 characters/second, 132 columns, impact
printer, bidirectional printing with tractor feed
3355

Daisy Wheel Printer, 55 characters/second, 15-inch platen,
tractor feed and friction platen

• CyberGrafix Advertising Design

20201 Stagg Street, Canoga Park, CA 91306
(213)341-0350 Attn: Sheila Clarke
MCD

SELECTRA-TERM printer
IOU

SPINTERM printer

• Daneva Control Pty Ltd

70 Bay Road, Sandringham, Victoria 3181 Australia

(03) 598-5622 Telex DANEVA 34439 Attn: Stuart Wright

Duoprint

64 character, 7x5 dot matrix electrosensitive printer

• Data General

Route 9, Westboro, MA 01581

(617) 366-8911, Ext. 4755 Attn: Richard Goldberg

6073/6074 DASHER LP2 printers

180 cps, parallel receive only line printers

• Data Printer Corporation

99 Middlesex Street, Malden, MA 02148
(617) 321-2400 Attn: Nick Siedun

Model 1290

900 LPM high speed data printer

• Dataproduct Corporation

6219 Desota Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91305
(213) 887-8465 Attn: Gerry Coulter
2200 Series

300-600 LPM impact printer
B-300/600

300-600 LPM impact printer
M-200

200 LPM impact printer
T-80

80 LPS non-impact printer

MICRO MAIL HAS WHAT YOUR SYSTEM NEEDS

S0R0C IQ-120 S795

• 24 line x 80 characters

• Upper/lower case

• Numeric keypad

T.l. 810 $1695

• 150 characters/second

• Adjustable forms tractor
•5x7 dot matrix

TELETYPE 43 $999

• 30 characters-'second

• 132 character line

• Upper/lower case

DIABLO 1620/3 $2999

• 45 characters/second

• Letter quality

• Numeric keypad

All terminals include EIA RS232 interface.

AVAILABLE FOR
IMMEDIATE DELIVERV

cMJCRD im

.11

P.0 BOX 3297 • SANTA ANA. CA 92703 • (714) 731-4338

WRITE OR CALL
FOR FREE CATALOGUE

Send certified check (personal or company checks require two weeks to clear) including handling* and 6% tax if a California resident
‘Handling Less than S750 add 3% S750 to SI 999 add 2%. over $1999 add 1%

Everything shipped freight collect in factory cartons with manufacturer’s warranty

66 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 30

OCTOBER 1978

• Deciter — Division of Jameburg Corporation

129 Flanders Road, Westboro, MA 01581
(617) 366-8334 Attn: Bill Sanford
26209

RS232C paper tape reader — desk top model

•ESMARK

507V2 E. McKinley Highway, Mishawaka, IN 46544
(219) 255-3035 Attn: Steve Toussaint
VIDIET STICK

Light pen that is compatible with virtually all mini/micro sys-
tems, software compatible to 8080 and Z-80 based systems

• Gentle Electric

130 Oxford Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Attn: Carl Fravel
Synthesizer/Computer Interface

Interface to allow audio pickup from voice or instrument
to be digitized by a micro system

• George Risk Industries Inc.

GRI Plaza, Kimball, NE 69145

(308) 235-4645 Attn: Robert Nickels
Model 721

ASCII keyboard assembly

• GSI Systems Corporation

223 Crescent Street, Waltham, MA 02154
(617) 899-6698 Attn: Gerald Gershon
ITMS-1

Microprocessor based floppy disk system to replace paper
tape, directly replaceable of most paper tape systems

• Keltron Corporation

225 Crescent Street, Waltham, MA 02154
(617) 894-0525 Attn: Ted Chadurjian
DM -300

Digital printer, compact, medium speed unit, 2.5 LPS

• Lear Siegier, Inc./Data Products Division

714 N. Brookhurst, Anaheim, CA 92803
1-800-854-3805 Attn: John Pagliaro
300 Series Ballistic™ printer
Microprocessor controlled dot matrix printer

• MarComm Inc.

124 Tenth Street, Ramona, CA 92065
(714) 789-3833 Attn: Sales Director
Sp-100

5x7 dot matrix bi-directional impact printer

PROM 68

PROM programming and associated PROM function inter-
face for 6800 computer systems

• Nortek Inc.

2432 N.W. Johnson Street, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 226-3515 Attn: Sales Manager
Dual width module

Master system clock for use with Digital Equpment Cor-
poration LSI-11, LSI-11/2 and PDP-11/03 computer families
•OBJECTIVE DESIGN, Inc.

P.O. Box 20325, Tallahassee, FL 32304
(904) 224-5545 Attn: Sales Director
TRACER

An S-100 board allows for single stepping through any
program

TIMEMINDER

An S-100 board with real time clock and hardware interrupts

• Oliver Advanced Engineering inc.

676 W. Wilson Avenue, Glendale, CA 91203
(213) 240-0080 Attn: Julie Griess
UPP-2700

Stand alone gang PROM duplicator

PP-series

PROM programmers for 2708, TMS 2716, 2516 and 2532
OP-80A

Optical paper tape reader

• Periphicon

P.O. Box 324, Beaverton, OR 97005
(503) 646-9869 Attn: Charles Osborne
Type 511

Image digitizer

DIGITAL/ _TL

RELIABILITY
QUALITY
DEPENDABILITY

ADDRESSING
PROTECT
BUFFERING
LOW POWER
WAIT STATES

8K STATIC RAM
ASSEMBLED
S-100

ALL S-iOO BUS Lhf3 ARE FULLY BLfYERED
ONE LS-TTL LOAD KM UNE

O.t, Ofi 2 WAIT STATES MAY K SELECTED
VIA A PLUGGABLE JUMPER

QUALITY

GUARANTEE

DELIVERY

TIC BOARD © GLASS EPOXY WITH 9HK SCREEN LEGEND.

FULL SOlECM MASKS ON DOTH 8CCS. FLCAY S&DCRNQ, GOLD CONTACTS

r NOT SATTSFB) FCTUNY T>« UNDAMAGED WAS WTTMN
10 DAYS FOR FULL REFUND • ALSO SO DAY LMTED WARRANTY

STOCK TO » DAYS • CALL BETWEEN 830 AND MO TO RESERVE
YOLW 8KRS OR FOR MORE ##CRMAT10N

PHANTOM

MBAORY CMSAfilE IS VIA f»HANTOM PH 67)

TESTING

SPECIAL

COMPETE TE5TWG NOT OH.V Of ALL LCM CRY COLS BUT ALSO
Of AU SUWORT CWCtrmY AND ORTONS

INTRODUCTORY

PRICE

ASSEMBLED /TESTED

4 SO n« 250 n*

$14915 $18915

(714) 992- 5540
2555 E CHAPMAN AVE
I SUITE 604
V FULLERTON. CA 92631

CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ADO 6X TAX

/DIGITAL/ J~L j

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 45

INTERFACE

AGE

BACK ISSUES

Available in Limited Quantities

1976

APRIL, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER

1977

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH, MAY
$1.75 + 50<p Postage & Handling Each

1977

JULY, AUGUST

SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER

1978

JANUARY

$2.00 + 50<t Postage & Handling Each

1978

FEBRUARY, MARCH, APRIL, MAY
JUNE, JULY, AUGUST
$2.25 + 50<p Postage & Handling Each

INTERFACE AGE

Department B.l.

P.O. Box 1234
Cerritos, California 90701

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 67

™m©m>

Give your 6800 computer the gift of sight!

The Micro Works Digisector^ opens up a
whole new world for your computer. Your
micro can now be a part of the action,
taking pictures like this one to amuse
your friends, watching your home while
you're away, helping your household
robot avoid bumping into walls, providing
fast to slow scan conversion for you hams
... the applications abound.

The Micro Works Oigisector is a completely unique device; its resolution and
speed are unmatched in industry and the price is unbeatable anywhere. The
Oigisector and a cheap TV camera are all you'll need to see eye to eye with your
6800. Since operation is straightforward, you don’t have to be a software wizard to
utilize the Digisector s extensive capabilities. The Micro Works Digisector board
provides the following exclusive features:

• High Resolution — a 256 x 256 picture element scan

• Precision — 64 levels of grey scale

• Speed — Conversion times as low as 3 microseconds per pixel

• Versatility — Accepts either interlaced (NTSC) or non interlaced (Industrial)
video input

• Compactness — Utilizes 1 I/O slot in your SWTPC 6600 or equivalent

• Economy — The Oigisector is a professional tool priced for the hobbyist

The Digisector (OS-68), like all Micro Works products, comes fully assembled,
tested and burned in. Only the highest quality components are used, and the
boards are double sided with plated through holes, solder mask and silkscreen.
All software is fully source listed and commented. The Micro Works is proud to
add the DS-68 to its line of quality computer accessories for the hobbyist.

Price 169.95

Write or call for information on other quality 6800 products, including computer
portrait systems.

DEPT. I,

P.O. BOX ‘mO, DEL MAR, CA 92014 (714) 7O0-2BB7

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 35

NEW SOFTWARE
AVAILABLE FOR

MICROPOLIS

The following software is now being offered for use on
the Micropolis MetaFloppy and MacroFloppy disk
systems.

CP/M' F DOS and Utilities

From SI 45

Microsoft FORTRAN-80

$400

Microsoft COBOL -80

S625

Microsoft Disk Extended BASIC

S300

Xitan SUPER BASIC

(A3)

$99

Xitan DISK BASIC

(A3+)

$159

Xitan Z-TEL Text Editor

(A3. A3+)

S69

Xitan Text Output Processor

(A3. A3+)

N/A

Xitan Macro ASSEMBLER

(A3. A3+)

$69

Xitan Z-BUG

(A3+)

S89

Xitan LINKER

(A3+)

$69

Xitan Package A3 (as keyed above)

S249

Xitan Package A3+ (as keyed above)

S409

Xitan Fortran IV

S349

Xitan DATA BASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

$1,250

CBASIC Compilcr/lnterpreter BASIC

S95

MAC Macro Assembler

$100

SID Symbolic Instruction Debugger

$85

TF.X Text Formatter

$85

BASIC-E Compiler/Interpreter BASIC

S30

General Ledger

S995

Accounts Receivable

$750

NAD Name S Address Processor

S79

QSORT Disk File Sort/Merge Utility

S95

Available from computer stores nationwide or order
direct from:

LIFEBOAT ASSOCIATES

164 W. 83rd Street
New York, N.Y. 10024
(212) 580-0082

•PRINTRONIX

17421 Derian Avenue, P.O. Box 19559, Irvine, CA 92713

(714)549-8272 Attn: Mel Posin

P600

600 LPM matrix impact printer
P300

300 LPM line printer/plotter
PI 50

150 LPM line printer/plotter
P300DC

300 LPM with microprocessor data communications inter-
face for remote printing/plotting

• Process Computer Systems Inc.

750 N. Maple Road, Saline, Ml 481 76
(313)429-4971 Attn: Tim Pellegrino
SPDS

EPROM programmer for 8080 and Z-80 systems supports
1 702, 2708, 271 6 and 2732 EPROMs

• Rondure Company

2522 Butler Street, Dallas, TX 75235
Attn: R.Shannon
Selectric Printer

Parallel 8-bit read only version of ASCII converted selectric
•SILONICS

525 Oakmead Parkway, P.O. Box 9025, Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408)732-1650 Attn: Doug Vaughn

QUIETTYPE™

Non-impact ink-jet printer, silent operation at 180 CPS

• Summagraphics Corporation

35 Brentwood Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06430
(203)384-1344 Attn: Morris Samit
BP-11

Graphics data tablet for S-100 bus machines

• Sylvanhills Laboratory Inc.

P.O. Box 646, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762
(316)231-4440 Attn: Sharon Bell

UNIT-1

1 1 xl 7 x-y plotting device console mounted

UNIT-2

1 7x22 x-y plotting device console mounted

DFT-1

11x17x-y plotterkit
DFT-2

17x22 x-y plotterkit

DISKSH-APES

•The A-Teamlnc.

P.O. Box 719, Bloomfield, CO 80020
Attn: Sales Manager
FLOPPY DISK STORAGE SYSTEM
Slotted file drawer type device for storing floppy disks

• Alpha Micro Systems

17875N Sky Park North, Irvine, CA92714
(714)957-1404 Attn: Bob Hitchcock
AM-200

Floppy disk control for 16-bit machines

• Braemar Computer Devices Inc.

11950 Twelfth Avenue, South Burnsville, MN 55337
(612)890-5135 Attn: Richard Morris
CM 600

Mini-Dek program loader and I/O device mini cassette

• BASF Systems

Crosby Drive, Bedford, M A 01 730
Attn: J.W. Ehrlich
6106

5.25 inch minidiskdrive

6108

5.25 inch flexydisk, dual sided

• CALCOMP California Computer Products Inc.

1270 N. Kraemer, Anheim.CA 92806
(714)632-5461 Attn: Carol Felton

1143M

LSI-1 1 or S-100 bus floppy disk subsystem, IBM 3740 format

68 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

• Cromemcolnc.

280 Bernardo Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94043
(415)964-7400 Attn: Alice Ahlgren

PFD-W

8-inch dual disk drive, 256K bytes per disk, IBM format

• Dynabyte

1005 Elwell Court, Palo Alto, CA 94303
(415)965-1010 Attn: Rick Mehrlich
FD250, FD200, FD650
Floppy disk drive systems

D1000

Fixed disk drive system

D3000

Rigid disk drive

• Galusha Corporation

12062 Valley View Street, Suite 220, Garden Grove, CA 92645
Attn: Sales Director

MICROSYSTEM/31

Double density, double sided dual floppy drive system for
8080, 8085, A-80 and 6800 or 6802 systems

• Futureworld

2514 University Drive, Durham, NC 27707
(919) 489-7486 Attn: Giles L. Cloninger
FW- 100

Tape signal conditioner

• Heath Company
Benton Harbor, Ml 49022
(616)982-3417 Attn: Virgil Bennett

H17

102K bytes of floppy storage for the Heath H-8 micro-
computer system

•INFO 2000

20630 South Leapwood Avenue, Carson, CA 90746
(213)532-1702 Attn: Sales Manager

DISCOMEM

S-100 bus controller and floppy disk system with CP/M

• JPC Products Company

P.O. Box 5615, Albuquerque, NM 87185

Attn: G.J. Williams

IC-3

Tape cassette interface

•MECA

7026 O.W.S. Road, Yucca Valley, CA 97604
(714)365-7686 Attn: Nancy Millican
Alpha 1

Digital mass tape storage system

Delta 1

Floppy disk and digital tape storage system

• MICRODATA Corporation

17481 Red Hill Avenue, Irvine, CA 9271 4
(714) 540-6730 Attn: Richard Yamaguchi
Lodestar™

Tape drive system

• Micropolis

7959 Deering Avenue, Canoga Park, CA 91 304
(213)703-1121 Attn: Charles Ramsey
Series 1016

Single and double sided floppy disk system
1041/1042/1043/1053
Macrofloppy disk units

• PCC/Pertec Division

9600 Irondale Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91 31 1
(213)999-2020 Attn: Carol Hays
FD250/FD200/FD650
Floppy disk drives

D1000

Fixed diskdrive

D3000

Rigid disk drive

• Smoke Signal Broadcasting
6304 Yucca, Hollywood, CA 90028
(213)462-5652 Attn: Ed Martin
BFD-68

5.25 inch floppy disk subsystem

LFD-68

8inch floppy disk subsystem

From EMM — the industry's largest supplier
of 4K static RAMs — a 2114 with a year and
a half of delivery behind it. Not a new part.
Just a new pin-out of a proven part. IK x 4
organization. 5V only. Standard 18-pin DIP.

It draws only 300 mw, has all the speed you
need for microprocessor applications.

Emm SEMlflNC.

A division of Electronic Memories & Magnetics Corporation
3883 North 28th Avenue. Phoenix. Arizona 85017 (602)263-0202

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 20

MAINFRAME BY NO NAME

. ACCOMMODATES MOST POPULAR
S1QO MOTHERBOARDS
WUNDER BUSS -
IMSAI
ALTAIR

. LIGHTEO RESET BUTTON

• KEYED POWER SWITCH

• RUGGED CONSTRUCTION
092 IN T6 ALUMINUM

• ACCOMMODATE SIX DB25
CONNECTORS S 3 BNC
CONNECTORS AT THE REAR PANEL

• INSIOE DIMENSIONS 17 3/8 WIDE
* 17 1/2 LONG x 6 314 HIGH

• OUTSIDE DIMENSIONS 17 1/2 WIDE
x 17 7/8 LONG x 7 HIGH

• PRICE $310.00

• POWER SUPPLY

• 16V AT 3 AMPS EACH
.8V AT 20 AMPS
-BV AVAILABLE
. DRY POWER EPOXY PAINT

DARK BROWN COVERS
LIGHT BEIGE FRONT PANEL
. WHISPER FAN

• ACCESSORY RECEPTACLE
. ALL POWER FUSED

• CARD CAGE AVAILABLE
SPECIFY MOTHERBOARD

NO NAME COMPUTERS
239 SEAL BEACH BLVD
SEAL REACH CA <W74f
<2131 431 7383

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 39

INTERFACE AGE 69

• Tarbell Electronics

950 Doulen Place, Suite B, Carson, CA 90746
(213)538-4251 Attn: Don Tarbell

1011

Floppy disk interface S-1 00 bus

1001

Cassette interface S-1 00 bus

TERMINALS

• Beehive International

4910 Amelia Earhart Drive, Box 25668, Salt Lake City, UT 84125
(801)355-6000 Attn: Dave Zeiter

MICRO BEE1

8085A microprocessor controlled conversational video
display terminal

MICRO BEE2

8085A microprocessor controlled buffered video display
terminal

• Bowmar Instrument Corp., Commercial Products Division
8000 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809
(219)493-4472 Attn: Tom Utley

Custom Keyboards

Multi-colored overlays, custom designed keyboards

• CMC Marketing Corporation

5601 Blintliff, Suite 515, Houston, TX 77036
(713)783-8880

TEI PT208

Self-contained computer system with display, disk storage,
a full keyboard and an 8-slot motherboard

• Compu-Text

287 Wood Road, Braintree, MA 02184
(617) 848-1 800 Attn: Theodore Magida
CURSOR EDITING TERMINAL

Cursor editing terminal with high speed inter-system com-
munications and output peripheral switching device

• Computronics Engineering

7225 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90046
(213)876-3326 Attn: J.B. Stanton II
HEXADECIMAL LABEL KEYBOARD
Microprofile keyboard with gold to gold contact system

• Cromemco Inc.

280 Bernardo Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94043
(415)964-7400 Attn: Alice Ahlgren

3100

CRT terminal

3101

CRT terminal

• Data Access Systems, Inc.

100 Route 46, Mountain Lakes, N J 07046
Attn: Sales Manager
DASI 744

Modified Texas Instruments 743 with switch selectable
parity, EIA RS232 interface and cable

■ Datamedia Corporation

7300 N. Crescent Boulevard, Pennsauken, NJ 08110
(609) 665-2382 Attn: Robert Sullivan

Elite 3045A

microprocessor-based fully buffered APL/ASCII video ter-
minal with APLoverstrike/ASCII underscore

• Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, MA01754

(617)493-3716 Attn: Joseph D. Nangle

VT110

7x9 dot matrix characters in 80-column, 24-line format,
reverse-imaging, split screen, underlining and line drawing
graphic characters

• E&L Instruments, Inc.

61 First Street, Derby, CT 06418
(203) 735-8774 Attn: Sales Manager
VTE-1

Video terminal electronic system with full ASCII keyboard,
reprogrammable character generator, cursor, and flicker-
free refresh

• Franklin Systems Corporation

733 Lakefield Road, Westlake Village, CA 91361
(805)497-7755 Attn: Frank Peters
TO-2000

Fully automatic operation terminal, automatic sending,
full CRT text editing and direct keyboard entry, compat-
ible with all standard Telex/TWX receiving units

• George Risk Industries, Inc.

GRI Plaza, Kimball, NE69145

(308) 235-4645 Attn: Sales Manager
Model 771

Keyboard subsystem with full ASCII encoding for 71 keys,
including separate numeric and cursor pad, auto repeat on
all keys, and standard 25-pin interface connector

• Intertec Data Systems Corporation

19530 Club House Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20760
(301)948-2400 Attn: Sales Manager
SuperTerm

Microprocessor-based printer/terminal with RS232C inter-
face, 60cps, IBM selectric configured keyboard

• Lear Siegler/Data Products Division
714 N. Brookhurst, Anaheim, CA 92803

(800) 854-3805/In CA (714)774-1010 AttmJohn Pagliaro
ADM-31

Smart terminal with two full 1920 character pages of dis-
play with Protect, Write/Product, Program Mode and Cur-
sor Retention

ADM-42

Video display terminal with up to 8 pages of memory, 16
function keys, and flexibility of format, editing, interface
and transmission

ADM-3A

Dumb™TerminalCRT

• Megatek Corporation

3931 Sorrento Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92121
(714)455-5590 Attn: PeterShaw

MEGRAPHIC 5014

Refresh Graphics Terminal compatible with Tektronix 4014,
capable of displaying movement, local translation, scale,
zoom, selective erase, rotation

• MicroAge

1 425 W. 1 2th Place, Suite 1 01 , Tempe, AZ 85281
(602)967-1421 Attn: W.CraigTenney
MKB-2

Keyboard with numeric key pad, upper and lower case, cur-
sor control keys, 2-key rollover, and auto repeat on all keys

• Motorola Semiconductor Products

5005 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85008
(602) 244-6900 Attn: Sales Manager

EPIC 68

Multifunction, display-oriented microcomputer/terminal,
6800 based, serial asynchronous communications

• MSI Data Corporation

340 Fischer Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(213)393-0622 Attn: Richard Roper
MSI/88

Handheld data entry terminal with segmented memory,
16-digit LED display and bar code wand scanning capability

• The NewO Company

246 Walter Hays Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Attn: Sid Owen

WRITEHANDER™

One-handed keyboard for computers, terminals, displays
and other 1 28 character ASCI I or ISO coded devices

• Princeton Electronic Products, Inc.

Department H, P.O. Box 101, North Brunswick, NJ 08920
(201)297-4448 Attn: Sales Manager
SYSTEM-850™

Microprocessor-based computer graphic terminal, or free-
standing computer graphic system

• Ramtek Corporation

585 North Mary Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

(408)735-8400

RM-3000 Series

Independent display system designed for stand-alone, off-
lineprocessing in graphics or display applications

70 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

Alini/Micro

COMPUTER CONFERENCE AND EXPOSITION

November 7-8-9, 1978
Astrohall • Houston, Texas

A Major Computer Conference in a Major Computer Market

THE CONFERENCE PROGRAM:

Minicomputers and microcomputers— low cost
and versatile-are putting convenient and effective
computer power at our fingertips in a vast array of
products that will affect every facet of our lives,
making minis and micros the fastest growing
segment of today's and tomorrow's data proces-
sing industry. Designed into systems ranging from
traffic lights and numerical control, to paint
mixers and kitchen appliances, they offer a new
versatility and striking competitive advantages in
the end products. We'll examine these aspects—
and much more— in the conference rooms at the
MINI/MICRO COMPUTER CONFERENCE &
EXPOSITION this fall.

Approximately twenty sessions consisting of
eighty papers covering both application and
design topics are planned.

Some session titles to date would include:

1. The Semiconductor Impact on Computer

Systems.

2. Practical Aspects of Audit Control and Security

of Minicomputer Systems.

3. Business, Entrepreneurial, and Investment

Opportunities in Minis and Micros.

4. From Service Bureaus to In-House D.P. . . .

and Vice Versa.

5. Small Business Systems — How to Get Started.

6. The Growing Impact of the Microprocessor in

Computer Graphics.

7. Network Computers and Process Control.

8. The Business Aspects of Minicomputer Distribu-

torships.

9. Future Technology for Small Computers.

10. Network Troubleshooting.

1 1 . Minicomputer Tape Subsystems
(12-20). Being Organized

Conference Program Committee — Chairman:

Dr. Dennis J. Frailey (Texas Instruments),

Drake Lundell (Computerworld), Stanley Klein
(Mini-Micro Systems), Neil Kelley (Infosystems),

Dr. George Ligler (Texas Instruments).

THE EXPOSITION ... is growing on a daily
basis and is expected to be the largest in the
greater Southwest in 1978. The list includes
(as of July 10):

Dataproducts, Tektronix, Texas Instruments. CalComp. Centron-
ics, General Automation, Oatum, Lear Siegler, Hewlett-Packard.

Crea / Comp Systems, Megatek, Honeywell. Ball Electronic,
Interdyne, Computer Design, Trilvy, Matrix Publishing, Cipher
Data, Small Systems World, Poly Morphic Systems, Tally Corp.,
Datamation, Summagraphics. Aero Mayflower, Matrix Data
Service, EECO, MOB Systems, Control Logic. Computerworld,
Printronix, Cap-CPP, Data Systems Design. Cahners Publishing.

Digital Equipment Corp., Monolithic Systems. Able Computer,

E U & M Computer Automation, Televideo. Intelligent Systems
Corp., I PI. Triple I. Computer Divisions, Atlas Energy Systems.

Tano Corp.. Dataflux

Exhibits Committee Co-Chairpersons:

Paul Eisner (General Automation
Linda LaCross (Texas Instruments)

If you design mini-micro computers, sub systems,
peripherals, or components, use them in your
business— or plan to— the hundreds of product dis-
plays will also be of valuable interest to you.

To:

c

C

Q.

Q

MINI/MICRO COMPUTER CONFERENCE AND EXPOSITION

5528 E. La Palma Avenue, Suite 1, Anaheim, CA 92807 Phone: (714) 528-2400

My Primary Interest Is:

D Attending. Please send me a Preview Program (available early October)
listing information on sessions/papers, exhibitors, and hotel reservations.

□ Exhibiting. Please send a copy of the Exhibit Prospectus.

Name

Title

Company

Address M/S

City State Zip.

J

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 71

Bob Harp, Chie(, Engineer

A Look At
Vector Graphic
and the MZ

Warren, Senior Editor

As the microcomputer industry has matured and the mar-
ket place changed from the hobbyist to the small business
user, so has the system design concept of many manu-
facturers. One of these manufacturers, Vector Graphic Inc.
of Westlake Village, California, has recognized the needs
of the small business user and has developed a complete
system based on the Z-80 CPU. This system is the logical
outgrowth of the systems components that have been
the mainstay of the Vector Graphic product line.

Beginning two years ago as a supplier of memory
boards for S-100 bus type computer systems, Vector
Graphic has developed I/O boards, disk systems and
now a complete system that utilizes each functional
board of the Vector line.

The Vector MZ did not just happen overnight, but was
the brainchild of Bob Harp, Vice President and chairman
of the board of Vector Graphic. Bob is one of the truly
gifted engineers in the microcomputer business today.
He received a bachelor's degree in Physics from MIT,
his masters and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from
Stanford. After serving on the faculty of Caltech in Elec-
trical Engineering, he moved to Hughes research where
he won the Hyland Patent award for his design work.
When asked how long he had been involved in elec-
tronics he said: "Ever since I was 10 years old, so about
30 years.”

His 30 years of experience have proven to be signifi-
cant when the quality of design is looked at in the Vec-
tor systems. A good example is the mother board used
in the MZ. The top surface is a ground plane which
reduces the physical amount of distance a signal must
travel in the circuit. The result of this, of course, is
greater reliability and less noise on the bus. The mother
board is fully terminated and is serviced by a 22 amp
power supply, which uses a transformer made specific-
ally to Bob’s specifications.

A LOOK AT THE MZ

The MZ system sells for $3,750 and comes complete
with built-in 5.25-inch floppy disks, Z-80 CPU running at
4MHz, 32K static memory board, shielded and termi-
nated mother board and a professional looking cabinet
designed with the small businessman in mind.

The system also comes with Micropolis MDOS and
BASIC, plus complete development software including
an editor and assembler. CP/M is available at an extra
charge. Vector also supplies a MZOS disk operating
system which is compatible with software written for
the North Star DOS.

Vector is also working on developmental software to
assist the OEM and distributor network in developing
application software for the end user.

72 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

The idea behind the MZ is to provide a complete pack-
age in the sense that for the price it is only necessary to
purchase a terminal and a hardcopy device. Basically
the complete minimum system includes: a CPU, PROM /
RAM board, workspace memory, a disk controller, and
an I/O board. All of which are found in the MZ system.

Another important area of a complete system is the
ease of use. The MZ provides a degree of turnkey opera-
tion by providing an immediate reset into the monitor on
start up with a simple instruction to boot into the disk
operating system. However, the degree of turnkey oper-
ation depends upon the applications design and desired
interactivity.

APPLICATIONS

The MZ package comes with systems software that
can be used by the dealer or end user to develop applica-
tions software that meet specific needs. Although Vec-
tor employs in-house programmers, the concern is with
the systems software and not applications. Vector uses
the third party vendor concept for applications software
which means that the dealer will be supplying business
software either off the shelf or designed specifically for
a customer. The MZ lends itself readily to applications

for those users who need a different level of capability
in their applications there is the Vector Graphic
Mindless Terminal.

This terminal is built around the Ball Brothers video
system and uses a capacitance keyboard. The terminal
receives its power and intelligence from a video board
that is placed directly on the bus. This makes it possible
for the CPU to address the screen as memory, and as a
result provides protected field capability. Using this
type of system, the applications designer can use fill-in-
format type application design and better human engi-
neer the software.

Basically all the products that Vector Graphic makes
are used in the complete MZ package, but they do have
some other unique ideas that will interest another
aspect of the microcomputer market.

This other aspect, and one not being addressed by
most manufacturers, is the Amateur Radio market. They
have developed a prototype digitizer that sits on the MZ
bus or any S-100 bus for interpreting slow scan (ama-
teur) television, which makes it possible to save it either
on tape or disk media. Although Vector is not directly
targeting to the HAM market the idea is to probe all

design since it has flexible operating systems and com-
patibility to S-100 add ons.

THE MARKET

Vector is primarily addressing the small business
market while at the same time providing high quality
supplemental boards to the S-100 bus user market.

Vector works through OEMs and a dealer network whom
they rely on to provide the level of service to the end user.
As Bob Harp put it: “we really can’t afford to provide a
hand holding operation to the businessman, but we do
make every effort to make sure that our dealers have suf-
ficient information and understanding of the MZ system
to provide the greatest benefit to the end user.”

The marketing and general administrative functions
of Vector Graphic is handled by Lore Harp and Carole
Ely. Between them they concentrate on ensuring that
production and shipping schedules are met and that
dealers are kept aprised of new developments.

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

Along with the MZ system, Vector Graphic offers the
Hazeltine terminal to round out the system. However,

facets of micro capabilities and develop useful devices
and techniques that further enhance the micro as a busi-
ness system and ultimately the industry.

WHERE THEY ARE GOING

Vector Graphic is now into their third year of opera-
tion and have not found a limit to their possibilities. Bob
Harp feels that with 1.75 million small businesses in the
country today their growth is assured. He also feels that
companies like IBM and DEC are headed toward obso-
lescence due to technology advances. By this he means
that as newer and faster chips are developed, with
greater system capabilities, companies like his can
quickly provide the finished product. Systems like the
MZ, he feels, will not really become obsolete since all
that will be necessary to change, in most cases, will be
the CPU board. However, to a company like IBM a change
to a different technology means a massive change in the
total system.

Bob’s outlooks are not unlike many others in the
microcomputer industry and goes to prove that micros
are here to stay. Also that systems such as the MZ will
have a major piece of the total market share. □

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 73

A

SOCIAL FUNCTION

APPROX!/

HATION METHOD

A» ITS l

WPPDJCATION

By Dr. Endre Simonyi

Office of Consulting Engineers on Judicial Matters
Budapest, Hungary

It very often happens in the engineering practice that
one must calculate with functions available in tabulated
form. In calculations by computer connected with stor-
ing the table in the memory of the computer, the follow-
ing problems arise:

•If storing happens in the inner memory, the table
takes up a great part of the inner memory, and thus
little place remains for storing the program and
other data.

•Because of the relatively considerable access time
of the background memory, when storing in the back-
ground memory the use of the table increases the
running time of the program significantly.

In the case of both solutions, however, handling the
table is an uncomfortable task which can only be real-
ized with difficulty, especially If the number of the
variables is higher than two (i.e. the table is more than
two dimensional matrix).

Because of these problems, users strive to avoid stor-
ing in the tabulated form where possible. That solution
could be applied in several cases where the table would
be substituted by an approximate function of satisfac-
tory accuracy at which the approximate function could
be produced by relatively few program steps and rela-
tively little machine time.

Also, an approximate function must be frequently
composed from the description of a mass of facts from
some measurement result.

Essentially, both works can be attributed to determi-
nation of approximate functions. For producing these
functions, certain programs which attempt the approxi-
mation by a definite function type are very much in use.
If the approximation is not of sufficient accuracy, they
attempt by another program and another function type
again. The set of function types is only some functions,
and trying them is not automatic either. In many cases
we do not succeed in achieving a satisfactory accuracy.

Solving this task is especially difficult when the
capacity of the computer available is low, or its operat-
ing velocity is slight. In this case storing different pro-
grams which belong to different functions cannot be
solved simultaneously, and the fulfillment of the re-
peated trials slackens the process to such an extent
that it becomes practically unrealizable.

We do not review the programs of certain firms which
are related to this article. We refer only to the literature.' 5
We want to remark only that functions which are used to
produce an approximate function are the following:

•linear, parabolic, exponential, hyperbolic, ellipse type.

Harold Balaban worked out a special solution. 4 The solu-
tion contains certain elements of our program which is
why we deal with it in detail.

The model used is a so-called general linear regres-
sion model,

g/Y/ = b + mf/X/,

and the program also calculates the value of the regres-
sion coefficient Irl, in addition to the determination of b
and m. The program tries the following cases auto-
matically:

g/Y/ = f/X/ = linear
f/X/ = SQR/X/,
f/X/ = In/X/,
f/X/ = l/X,

g/Y/ = In/Y/; f/X/ = In/X/,
g/Y/ = In/Y/,

and the maximum number of points is 10. The SQR
designation means the squaring. After giving in the data
the program prints out the b, m, and r values belonging
to the 6 functions automatically without setting up any
graduation. This method is an advantage in comparison
with the traditional solutions since it is not necessary to
feed the data again, function by function. However, the
function choice consists of six kinds of functions al-
together; the number of variables is two, and the number
of the data is considerably limited. Neither the number
of the variables nor the function is the user's task.

The application of our program packet has the follow-
ing advantages:

•Trying over the functions is automatic. Hence, it is
not necessary to feed in the data again.

•The number of functions tried over automatically is
maximum 1296.

•Selecting the "best" function occurs automatically.
•The number of the data is not so severely limited as
in the case of the program reported previously.

Its limit is restricted by the extent of the inner (if it
is available) or background memory of the machine.

One special advantage of this program packet is the
relative ease in which it is generalized, and this means
the number and kind of functions can be changed (in-
creased), the number of variables can be increased, and
the data number permitted can be increased by the ap-
plication of background memory. Naturally it is neces-
sary to take the increase of the operating time into con-
sideration, too.

74 INTERFACE AOE

OCTOBER 1978

In the case of two variables, the program uses the fol-
lowing relation for producing the approximate function:

G/y/ = b + mf Ixl

where f/ /, gl I mean some kind of function selected
from the function set in the program. The program deter-
mines the values of b and m to a certain f, g pair by
means of the known square-error minimum method. It is
a substantial deviation, however, that the formula to be
minimized is as follows:

_ 2

b + mf/Xj/

1 - = min! / 1/

g/yj/

At the same time it determines a quantity which serves
for characterizing the errors. The determination of the
“best” function approximation occurs in such a manner
that the program selects an f, g function pair automatic-
ally from the function form set available. It also per-
forms the determination of the constants by each func-
tion pairs and the value of a quantity serving for the
characterization of the errors quoted by S in the follow-
ing. It selects the function form which can be character-
ized by the least error by comparing the S values.

The necessary operating time:

T = bntmb 121

where b is the number of the variables (independent and
dependent variables); n is the number of data points; m
is the kind of number of the function forms in the func-
tion set; t is a constant depending on the machine type
and the program.

The following relation defines the quantity serving for
the characterization of the values of the errors:

The s-error function is characteristic of the mean error.
The greater its value, the bigger is the mean error, so we
look for the minimum of this function.

These programs are four variants:

•two variables /BASIC-4K/,

•two variables /BASIC-8K/,

•four variables,

•two variables and one parameter.

FUNCTION APPROXIMATION WITH
TWO VARIABLES /BASIC-4K/

The program:

Line 2-55: Erase of the screen; print of the heading

and legend.

Line 60: If the memory is 4K byte upon the BASIC

interpreter, then

N max = 65

If your memory is bigger than 4K byte,
then you may want to modify this line.
Line 70: Input number of data points

Line 80: Print heading of the data columns

Line 90-120: Input, store and print of the data
Line 130-145: Initializing of the value of the constants.

The function is “good" in this variant if

3xE-2

S <

N

Line 146-151: Compute and store the value of
*maxi x min! Y max : Y min-

Line 152-155: Transform of the value of x,y. The new
values are:

0 < /x.y/ < = 1

The equations are:

x new _

x ' x min + 1
x max' x min + 1

y-ymin + 1

ynew -

ymax‘ymin + 1

Line 160-180: Compute of the serial number of the func-
tion pair.

Line 190-270: Compute of the value of F/xj/, G/yi/ with
the subroutines from the line 500. Store of
the value of FI I, Gl I.

Line 280-320: Compute of the value of the invalid variable.

Line 340-350: Compute of the value of A,B-constants.

Line 360: Compute of the value S J x NT This line is

indexed “S".

Line 370: Is the new function form "better” than

old? If yes, then go to 430.

Line 380: If no, then: Is not more function form? Yes

or no; If yes, then go to 160

Mmax = 100

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 75

Line 390-415: Compute and print of the results and the
name of the "good" function.

Line 430-470:
Line 480:

Line 490:
Line 500-860:
Line 515-530:
Line 541-549:

Line 550-560:
Line 570-590:
Line 600-616:
Line 630-650:
Line 660-680:

Line 690-710:
Line 750-820:
Line 830-860:

Store of the new constants.

Is the function form “good"? Yes or no? If
yes, then go to 390.

If no, then go to 380.

Compute of the value of the functions.
COS / /-subroutine
SIN / /-subroutine.

If

P> = n/4,

then

COS/P/ = SIN/" • PI
and

SIN/P/ = COS/g-P/

Linear function.

Parabolic function.

LOG / /-subroutine.

EXP/ /-subroutine.

Compute of the square-root with the fol-
lowing equation:

SQR/X/ = EXP /

Reciprocal function.

ASIN / /-subroutine.

Compute of the ACOS /
the following equation:

LOG /X/ ,

2 '

/-function with

ACOS/X/ = 2 ‘ ASIN/X/
The mean error of these subroutines:

~ 0 . 02 %

The computing time is:

T ~ 10 x N /minute
The machine was a SWTPC-6800.

FUNCTION APPROXIMATION WITH
TWO VARIABLES /BASIC-8K/

The program is 40% shorter than the 4K-variant. The
computing time is:

T ~ 3 x N /minute/

If the memory is 4 Kbyte upon the BASIC-interpreter, then:
N max = 80 -

The program:

Line 2-230: Is not different from the 4K-variant.

Line 240: The name of the function is a string variable.

Line 250-350: Is not different from the 4K-variant.

Line 360: Compute of the value "S".

Line 370-390: Is not different from the 4K-variant.

Line 400-420: Print of the name of the functions is only
one line. (25 lines are in the 4K-variant).
Line 430-450: Is not different from the 4K-variant.

Line 460-470: The name of the functions are strings.
Line 480-500: Is not different from the 4K-variant.

Line 520-710: In this version is not subroutine for
COS / /, SIN / /, LOG / /, EXP / /,
SQR / /. This part has 23 lines. (53 lines
are in the 4K-version.)

Line 750-860: Is not different from the 4K-variant.

FUNCTION APPROXIMATION WITH
FOUR VARIABLES

A detailed review of the program will not be described
herein. Figure 1 illustrates a simplified flow chart. In the
figure are:

1. data acquisition, store;

2. initializing of the inner constants,

®o^®o — 1/,s min ^nd M/Mq — 1,

M-serlal number of the constants of the function
form;

3. computation of the constants of the linearized sys-
tem of equations;

4. solution of the linear system of equations;

5. computation of the error function ISI;

6. initialization of the inner constants;

7. printout of the best function form and printout of
the values of the constants of the function; and

8. storage of the best function form, S Q , and storage
of the values of the constants of the function.

This version is good on a rapid machine only because
the machine time is high. For example:

T ~ .5 x N /hour/
was on a Wang 2200 B.

FUNCTION APPROXIMATION WITH
TWO VARIABLES AND ONE PARAMETER

The problem is the following: Let us look at some of
the serial data points and

y = f lx, at

where x,y-variables, o-parameter of serial, and we should
like to get

76 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

PROGRAM LISTING

G/y/ = Alai + Bid x F/x/

approximation function with “good” S-value for all serial.

An example: Function of the electrical resistivity from
the temperature:

R = f/T, kind of substance
We search

G/R/ = A + B x F/T/

functions, where A,B-functions of the kind of
substance. A result is the well known

R = R 0 x /I + a x A T/

where

A = R 0 x /I + T q I

B = a x R 0

G I I = FI I = linear.

My recent method connected with the generalized
function approximation program drastically reduces the
theoretical work required for setting up the approx-
imating functions usable in practice. The method
described by our newest program is as follows:

/a/ Measurement data which is to be described by the
relation sought is input.

/b/ The program then chooses the "good" function
forms. A function is “good” which produces a
greater accuracy than that given beforehand. The
computer stores these function forms together
with the error values and the constants which
belong to the function forms and the measure-
ment data, respectively.

Id Data belonging to the next type of substance is in-
put.

/d/ The program then investigates the function forms
found to be “good” for the first substance type. It
selects those from the ones which give a "good”
value for this material. The stored data are identi-
cal with the data described in Ibl. We then repeat
those written in the Id and Idl for all substance
types.

lei Finally, the value of the constants and the errors
belonging to the single measurement data for all
the materials are calculated.

Thus, setting up an approximating function simplifies
into feeding in the measurement data and reading the
result. We do not review the application of the programs;
we refer only to the literature.^'.D

REFERENCES

'520/600 Series Vol. 1. General Library Wang Laboratories, Inc.
1972.

1000-2-ST3, 1001-2-ST3, 1002-2-ST3, 1004-2-ST3, 1005-2-ST3
Programs.

’TEK-31 Statistics Program Library Section 4 Curve Fitting
4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5 Programs.

’Handbook of Quality Control Programs. Litton Business Sys-
tems Inc. 1972. 4022MS, 2006MS Programs.

'SWAP Program Library 1974. S. 199-7.8.

’Racz V., and Simonyi E.: Some Applications of the Program-
mable Desk-top Calculators in the Clinical Laboratories. IMSZI
Kozlemenyek 1974. 11.1.

•E. Simonyi: A Special Function Approximation Method and Its
Application in Chemical Engineering Processes. IMSZI Scien-
tific Publications 5. 1975.

'Uzsoki-Simonyi-Varnay: IMSZI 111/73. szakvelemeny 1973.
nov. (In Hungarian)

•Varadi-Simonyi-Serege: IMSZI 206/1974. sz. szakvelemeny
1975. maj. (In Hungarian)

*E. Simonyi: A Special Function Approximation Method and Its
Application. March 1977, Vol. 11, No. 1, 12-15.

000Z REM

0005 PRINT TAB CHR»( 16) , CHRK22)

0010 PRINT TAB<13>, FUNCTION APPROXIMATION WITH TUO VARIABLES
0020 PRINT

0030 PRINT FUNCTION FORM: C < Y ) =A*0«F < X )

0031 PRINT

0040 PRINT

0041 PRINT
0045 PRINT
0050 PRINT

005S PRINT ..

0060 DIM X(80), Yt80>
0070 INPUT N
0080 PRINT X , T
0090 FOR 1*1 TON
0100 INPUT X<X),Y<X)
0110 PRINT XtD.Ytl)
0120 NEXT I

WHERE: C< >,F< 1-FUNCTIONS
X, Y-VARI ABLES
A, D-CONSTANTS

RELATIVE STANDARD ERROR: S"SQR(SUM( 1-(B«X»A)/Y> t2)/N
N-NUMBER OF DATA POINTS

0130 SO-1

0140 M-0

0141 S1-1E-3

0142 Xl=l

0143 X2-0

0144 Yl«l

0145 Y2-0

0146 FOR I-1T0N

0147 IF X(I) XlTHENXlfX(I)

0148 IF X<I>- X2THENX2-X(I>

0149 IF Y( I ) 'Y1THENY1* Y( I >

0150 IF YC I > Y2THENY2-Y(I >

0151 NEXT I

0152 FOR 1 = 1 TON

0153 X(X>-CX<X)-X1+1>/CX2-X1+1>

0154 Y(X>«(YCX)-Y!M)/(Y2-Y2M)

0155 NEXT I
0160 H«MM

0170 Jl-M-10»INTC<M-l)/10>

0180 J2»1MNT(<M-1>/10>

0190 FOR I*»l TON
0200 P«X(I)

0210 J»J1
0220 GOSUB 500
0230 U-P
0240 0*=H»

0250 P-Y(I>

0260 J*J2
0270 G0SU8 500

0272 IF APS<P> IE-20 THEN P=lE-20
0274 IF ABS(U)' 1E10 THEN U-1E10
0280 C1=C1*U/(P»P>

0290 C2=C2*<U"U>/(P»P>

0300 C3°C3*U/P
0310 C4-C4M/P
0320 C5»CSM/<P«P>

0330 NEXT I

0335 IF CS«C2*C1«C1 THEN CS"CS*1. 0000001
0340 01-(C5«C3-C1»C4)/<C5«C2-C1*C1 >

0350 A1«(C4-D1»C1)/C5

0360 S=SQR( ABS<N-2*B1 *C3>D1 "B1 "C2-2*A1 "C4*2*Al B B1 "Cl *A1"A1"CS> >/
N

0370 IF S<S0THEN430
0380 IF M >100THEN160

0390 PRINT N» ; N f A» : A, B» ;p, S= ; SO
0400 PRINT F ( >» .Ft, G< >• ; G*

0420 STOP
0430 SO-S
0440 A»A1
04S0 0-81
0460 F»«D1
0470 Gt-H*

0480 IF SO SI THEN390
0490 COTO 380

0500 ON J C0SUB520, 542, 550, 570, 600, 630, 660, 690. 750. B30
0510 RETURN
0S20 H*« C0S( )

0530 P-C0S<P)

0540 RETURN
0542 H*» SIN( )

0544 F=SIN(P)

0546 RETURN
0550 Ht» ( )

0560 RETURN
0570 Ht- ( >t2
0580 P=P»P
0590 RETURN
0600 Hf- L0C( >

0610 P-LOC(P)

0620 RETURN
0630 Hi* EXPt )

0640 P*EXP(P>

0650 RETURN
0660 H»* SORt >

0670 P-SOR(P)

0680 RETURN
0690 H$ ■ l/< )

0700 P«l/P
0710 RETURN
0750 Ht* ACOSt >

0760 K-9
0770 L»P
0775 0-0
0780 FOR R»2TQK

0790 L=t <2*R-3)*(2 B R-3>*P*P*L)/< (2*R-2)*(2 B R-1 > J

0800 0»0»L

0810 NEXT R

0815 P«0*P

0820 RETURN

0830 H4- AS IN ( >

0840 GOSU0760
0850 P=3S5/226-P
0860 RETURN

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 77

The Auto Industry

By Robert S. Koster, M.B.A
and Leslie D. Ball, Ph.D.

During
the last sev-
eral years the
automobile has
changed dramati-
cally. The changes
have occurred as a
result of increases in

incor-

government regulation which

impact on the performance of the vehicle.

To a lesser extent, changes in American driving
habits have caused some of the changes to occur.

While the automobile has changed, so have compu-
ters. In the early 1950’s, several automobiles might fit in-
side of a computer, while today several computers would
be easily placed inside of an automobile. Computer
technology has moved to miniaturization and has in-
creased the areas in which they might be employed.

It is not surprising, then, that the automotive industry
has looked to computers to assist them in meeting
government regulations. In this article the authors
describe microprocessors which are the technology
that allows the automotive industry to incorporate com-
puters in current and future designs. In addition, the
authors review what those current uses of microproces-
sors are and how we might expect the automotive in-
dustry to employ them in the future.

WHAT ARE MICROPROCESSORS?

A microprocessor is the central processing unit (CPU) of
a computer, reduced in size to fit on a single silicon chip.
Its functions, like those of a larger CPU, are to receive
data, store it for processing, perform arithmetic and logic
operations, and to output results. With the addition of
some input/output chips and more memory, a micropro-
cessor is transformed into a microcomputer. The distinc-
tion between a processor and a computer is often blurred,
and frequently, the terms are used synonymously.

The microprocessor owes its existence to the technol-
ogy of large scale integration. This technology allows the

poration of
thousands of electronic
components in the space for-
merly occupied by only one or two com-
ponents. Like many of its predecessors, such as
transistors, the microprocessor is being hailed as one in
the chain of electronic miracles that has and will con-
tinue to have a profound influence on our lives. Because
they are so small and inexpensive, the microprocessor is
being used in many previously unheard of applications
from intelligent instruments to electronic games.

For many applications, the value of a microprocessor
is the built-in control function that it can add. It can pro-
vide a very sophisticated, yet inexpensive, feedback
loop which allows it to be incorporated into many non-
computing devices.

Also, since the microprocessor serves as the guts of a
microcomputer, it can bring computing down to a highly
decentralized or distributive system. In these systems,
each user can have his own computer and data base
which communicate with each other rather than just
employing terminals tied to a large computer. The use of
microcomputers can certainly be compared to the history
of electronic calculators since as the cost is reduced,
their use and importance will increase significantly.

WHY MICROPROCESSORS AND AUTOMOBILES?

In automobiles, microprocessor use can be most easily
traced to the government mandate that motor vehicles
meet very strict emissions and fuel economy standards.
While the regulation of either pollution or economy may
not have individually pushed the automotive engineers

78 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

complying
with all emission

control requirements. This system has four sensors that
input crankshaft position, manifold vacuum, coolant temp-
erature. and reference timing. As these inputs do not tax
the capacity of the microprocessor, other control func-
tions could be added to the system later.'

Ford will introduce a microprocessor system in its
Versailles V8 5-litre engine to control spark timing and
exhaust gas recirculation. Buick has introduced a closed
loop knock-limiting system on their 1978 V6 Turbo-
charged 3.8-litre engine. The Buick system is an analog
system which employs one sensor that actually hears
engine detonation and sends a signal to retard the
spark. This system is quite different from the micropro-
cessor systems because it functions only as a knock
limiter and has no other control features. 1

Chrysler is presently developing a microprocessor to
replace its present analog lean burn spark timing system.
The system, developed for Chrysler by Texas Instru-
ments, Inc. and RCA Corporation, accepts data from
several different inputs to control emissions. These in-
puts are: ambient air temperature, throttle position,
throttle rate of change of position, crankshaft position,
intake manifold vacuum, engine coolant temperature,
and inlet air temperature. 3 The microprocessor digests
the information and adjusts the timing accordingly.
Mechanical means do not provide for this level of con-
trol. but until quite recently, there had been no motiva-
tion to precisely control spark timing.

The microprocessor does not actually perform engine
timing; it merely maintains it at optimum levels. This is a
large distinction. When the microprocessor acts as a
monitor of engine performance, its failure would not
prevent the engine from operating. It would only reduce
its performance to that achieved from mechanical con-
trol. If the microprocessor performed the engine timing,
a failure would prevent the engine from working.

This monitoring function also greatly reduces the
amount of data that the microprocessor must process.
As a monitor, it is only comparing actual performance
with the ideal and making corrections. This function re-
quires only a few commands every second, rather than the
hundreds required if it actually performed the function.

SENSOR TECHNOLOGY

Electronic engine control systems depend on sensors
to measure environmental factors and report this infor-

to microproces-
sors, the combina-
tion of these two contradic-
tory goals has required a degree
of control that is not possible with
previously employed mechanical means.

The microprocessor provides the feedback mech-
anism to insure that the engine is running at the effi-
ciency level necessary to comply with government stan-
dards. Because the microprocessor is constantly finetun-
ing the engine, it can maintain optimal performance, even
as parts are wearing and the environmental conditions are
changing. This heuristic feature is significant because
government regulations are leaning to maintaining stan-
dards rather than just meeting them at the time of sale.

While it might be unfair to give the federal govern-
ment all the credit for the use of microprocessors in
automobiles, it is quite unlikely that computer technol-
ogy would be finding its way into cars so quickly with-
out government action. This is especially true since
minimizing engine emissions is not cost reducing or in-
herently marketable. Without strict government regula-
tion, microprocessors would slowly find their way into
luxury vehicles for driver convenience and comfort. It is
quite probable that as costs were reduced and more ap-
plications discovered, that microprocessors would find
their way into cars in many different functions. What the
government has done is to accelerate development and
concentrate that development in areas believed by Con-
gress to be important.

IGNITION SYSTEMS

Although computer technology will find its way into
many automotive systems in the future, the most imme-
diat application is the ignition system. The Oldsmobile
Toronado is the only production automobile currently
equipped with a microprocessor. By 1981, the year of
stringent emissions controls, the use of microproces-
sors will be widespread.

The general function that a microprocessor will per-
form is to control the timing of the spark. The Delco-
Remy Microprocessed Sending and Automatic Regula-
tion System offered in *he Oldsmobile does what its
name implies. It will cor ol spark timing for all load and
speed conditions consistent with driveability while

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 79

i

mation back to the control unit. Since the sensors
measure, they are analog in nature. This analog signal
must be converted into digital form in order to be pro-
cessed by the microprocessor. A special interface cir-
cuit translates the sensor’s analog signal into the micro-
processor’s digital language. Design of this interface is
critical because anticipated changes in the sensor must
be incorporated into the microprocessor chip.

While technology in digital circuits is constantly re-
ducing microprocessor costs, similar advances in sen-
sor design must be accomplished to reduce total sys-
tem costs to levels acceptable to the automotive indus-
try. As all microprocessor based engine control requires
sensors to gather information, the limiting factor is the
cost and reliability of the necessary sensors and not
microprocessor considerations. 4

Automotive sensors measure five different functions:
temperature, pressure, position, fluid flow, and environ-
mental factors. Temperature sensors are the most wide-
spread and are used to measure air, coolant, exhaust,
oil, and catalyst temperature. Pressure sensors report
on manifold, barometric, or brake line pressure. Position
sensors are used in the distributor and measure crank-
shaft and accelerator throttle position. Fluid flow sen-
sors are employed to monitor fuel consumption or oil
circulation. Environmental sensors measure humidity
and gas composition and are used in both spark timing
and emission control.

Specific problems with each type of sensor vary, but
many suffer in environments of extreme temperature
and extreme vibration. In addition, most are costly.
Many sensors require external devices to function pro-
perly. Until the reliability and cost factors can be solved,
sensors will be the limiting factor in microprocessed
engine control.

ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS

The automotive environment provides unique problems
for electronic devices. The engine compartment is partic-
ularly harsh since temperature ranges from -40C to 120C,
humidity from O.lg/kg to 200g/kg, corrosive and contami-
nating liquids are present, and vibration, shock, and
high electromagnetic impulses all must be considered.

In the Oldsmobile, engineers decided that the best solu-
tion was to locate the microprocessor in the passenger
compartment. This solves one problem but requires ex-
pensive wiring. The Chrysler microprocessor is located
in the engine compartment, next to the air cleaner.

A major decision facing the engineers is the trade-off
between a general purpose or a specific application
microprocessor. The anticipated production volume by
the auto makers make the development costs of a specific
or dedicated microprocessor cost effective. The Delco /
Remy and the TI/RCA units that are currently in develop-
ment or use do not employ dedicated microprocessors.
The primary reason is that these are the first systems to
be used in this application, and there has not been the
time or the money to develop a custom tailored unit so
quickly. Also, these systems are at the forefront of both
computer and automotive technology, and the engi-
neers have not clearly defined their needs. In addition, it
is not clear that the semiconductor industry could pro-
duce a chip to the automotive engineers' specifications.

The problem is further complicated because the tech-
nologies and requirements are constantly changing. The
automotive manufacturers want workable systems now
but expect to continually make changes to reduce cost
and increase efficiency. By the mid 1980’s nearly every
American car will contain one or more microprocessors. 5
Therefore, the potential volume is ten million units per
year or more. The microprocessor industry is willing to
cater to the needs of the automobile industry, but until

more systems are put into use, specific industry needs
will remain uncertain.

SOFTWARE AND TESTING CONSIDERATIONS

Development costs fall into three categories: hard-
ware, software, and testing. In addition to the hardware
problems, which have already been presented, software
presents some unique problems.

Microprocessors have two types of memories, random
access memory (RAM), and programmable read only
memory (PROM). Instructions consist of a fixed pattern
of binary word patterns. Some instructions are perma-
nently introduced into the microprocessor at the time
that the chip is manufactured. Other instructions are in-
troduced into the PROM at the final stage of automobile
manufacture.

Employing these two methods, a manufacturer might
have a microprocessor developed for all of its cars that
uses the same basic set of instructions. Later a specific
set of instructions could be added that would contain all
the specific information relating to the specific engine,
model, and options that characterize a particular car.
The dealer or service center could also alter some par-
ticular instruction in order to correct an existing prob-
lem or to upgrade a system in an existing vehicle. All the
instructions coded into the PROM are considered the
software of the system and, as such, would have to be
tested and documented.

If the auto industry
were to meet strict standards
by mechanical means, maintenance
requirements would be more
expensive as automobiles
would require more servicing to
meet the same standards.

The testing function involves more than just testing
the microprocessor. It involves insuring that the entire
system and the vehicle that it is installed in are working
properly.

Government legislation and product liability are also
important testing factors. The EPA requires that auto
manufacturers provide proof that their vehicles are built
to maintain certain levels of emission control for a spe-
cific number of miles or years. Future legislation is like-
ly to be more stringent and include areas of safety and
economy considerations.

OTHER USES OF MICROPROCESSORS

The use of microprocessors in automobiles is not
limited to ignition systems. Other areas under develop-
ment include: cylinder selection, fuel consumption in-
dicator, fuel injection, and transmission control, all of
which can be considered to be emissions and economy
considerations. Some of these can be incorporated into
an ignition control system. For example, cylinder selec-
tion involves varying the number of cylinders employed
at any one time to maximize fuel economy at different
levels of speed, acceleration, and load.

As for safety, there are many microprocessor applica-
tions, some of which are very simple and others highly
sophisticated. Among the more interesting include ap-
plications to check for low tire pressure, to monitor oil

80 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

level and battery charge indicators, to activate airbag ac-
tuators, to provide drunk driving prevention, and to
monitor radar braking systems. The last two are of par-
ticular interest to the federal government. The drunk
driving prevention device employs a gas composition
sensor mounted in the steering wheel hub which pre-
vents the ignition from working if the alcohol level in the
breath of the operator is beyond a certain predeter-
mined level. GM has done research on alcohol interlock
systems and has produced devices that have effectively
screened between 50% and 75% of drivers with blood
alcohol concentrations of 0.1 %.*

Automatic radar brakes is another application that the
government is interested in. These systems automatic-
ally apply the automobile's brakes when the radar sys-
tem detects a potential hazard to close to the front of
the vehicle. The limiting factor in such a system is that it
is difficult to differentiate between X-Band radar signa-
tures of objects of different sizes and risk potentials. A
possible solution is dependent upon the reduced cost
of computer memory. If sufficient numbers of radar sig-
natures could be stored, it would be possible to support
a high-speed radar hazard analysis and automatically
apply the brakes. 7 This system would function only as
an emergency crash avoidance capacity activating when
a crash is imminent and human interaction has not oc-
curred. Other possible, but not probable, applications
include brain wave monitoring devices that would wake
up drivers who are falling asleep at the wheel. Also, anx-
iety and/or aggression interlocks could prevent drivers
in an accident-prone frame of mind from being able to
start the engine.

There are numerous other applications of micropro-
cessors in automobiles, such as headlights, braking and
electronic power control. Digital readout gauges are a
logical extension of microprocessed engine control
because most of the sensors and digital/analog inter-
face units would be present in automobiles with engine
control microprocessors. One problem with digital
readout is that they are temperature sensitive, and
automobiles are subjected to extreme temperature
variation. Digital clocks, radio station indicators, and
miles to empty fuel gauges have just become optional
on high-priced American cars, and the trend is expected
to continue as the costs are reduced.

MAINTENANCE CONCERNS

The use of microprocessors in engine control and
other automotive applications will certainly have wide-
spread implications on the reliability and maintenance of
the automobile. Currently, auto maintenance is designed
to keep the vehicle running; in the future mere running
will not be enough. As the purpose of microprocessed
engine control systems is to allow a very high level of
economy, environmental efficiency, and safety, mainte-
nance will be directed towards maintaining those high
standards. This will require high level diagnostic
devices and mandatory periodic servicing.

While computer technology will contribute to the high
cost and sophistication of auto servicing, it will not be its
cause. The reason for the radical change in maintenance
is society’s insistence on high fuel economy, safety, and
low emissions. If the auto industry were to meet strict
standards by mechanical means, maintenance require-
ments would be more expensive as automobiles would
require more servicing to meet the same standards.

A lag is likely in educating technicians in local service
stations. Until advanced electronics are common and
have been around for a while, it is likely that it will be dif-
ficult to find the qualified technician to work on your
car. It is also likely that blame will be unfairly placed on

the microprocessor when the real problem will be that
the mechanic is not familiar with the system.

Maintenance on the microprocessor equipped car
must be compared with other cars that meet the 1981
pollution standards, not with today’s vehicles. An alter-
native would be for Detroit to have gone another route
(i.e., diesel, stratified charge, turbine, etc.) to meet the
strict standards rather than to increase the sophistica-
tion of an existing but inefficient design. Whether or not
these designs could meet the 1981 standards without a
great many changes is not clear, but it is likely that they
would require less in the way of electronics.

CONCLUSIONS

Microprocessors will definitely be playing an increas-
ingly important role in the automobile. Their use is just
beginning and will probably become commonplace as a
basic automotive component in the very near future.
Because they are so new, many unanswered questions
remain about their effect on automobile performance,
reliability, maintenance, economy, and perhaps safety.
There is no question that microprocessors will make the
automobile a more sophisticated piece of machinery,
and this will certainly have an impact on maintenance.

While the engine control function of a microproces-
sor will have little impact on the operator, there are
many other applications such as safety, comfort, and
convenience that could have a profound affect on the
driver and his passengers. Unfortunately, these other
applications are not likely to be microprocessed as
quickly as engine control. As technology advances,
more applications will become feasible. The possibili-
ties are almost endless and will surely make the auto-
mobile of the 1980’s quite different from the one that we
drive today. □

FOOTNOTES

'Trevor O. Jones. ‘'Automobile Electronics I: Smaller and
Better.” IEEE Spectrum, (November 1977), p. 34.

7 E.F. Lindsley. “Buick’s Turbocharged V6." Popular Science,
(September 1977), p. 86.

•Bernard M. Oliver. “The Role of Microelectronics in Instru-
mentation and Control.” Scientific American, (September
1977), p.183.

'Ronald K. Jugen. "The Automobile: For Better or Worse."
IEEE Spectrum, (November 1977), p. 32.

•"Detroit’s New Appetite for Electronic Controls.” Business
Week, (August 28, 1977), p. 64.

•Trevor O. Jones. "Some Recent and Future Automotive Elec-
tronic Developments.” Science, (March 18, 1977), p. 1159.

'Ibid., p. 1159.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

"Detroit’s New Appetite for Electronic Controls.” Business
Week, (August 29, 1977), pp. 64-66.

"Electronics in Motion.” Automotive Industries, (September 15,

1976) , p. 56.

Franson, Paul. “Though Digital ICs Gain Rapidly, Today's Auto-
motive Electronics Remain Mostly Linear, Discrete." EDN,
(October 20, 1977), pp. 19-20.

Jones, Trevor O. "Automobile Electronics I: Smaller and Bet-
ter.” IEEE Spectrum, Vol. 14. (November 1977), pp. 34-35.
Jones, Trevor O. "Some Recent and Future Automotive Elec-
tronic Developments." Science, Vol. 195. (March 18, 1977),
pp. 1156-1160.

Jurgen, Ronald K. “The Automobile: For Better or Worse.”
IEEE Spectrum, Vol. 14. (November 1977), pp. 31-33.

Oliver, Bernard M. “The Role of Microelectronics in Instru-
mentation and Control.” Scientific American, (September

1977) , pp. 182-190.

Puckett, Gene, J. Marley, J. Gragg. “Automotive Electronics II:
The Microprocessor Is In." IEEE Spectrum, Vol. 14, (Nov-
ember 1977), pp. 37-39.

Toong, Hoo-Min D. “Microprocessors." Scientific American,
(September 1977), pp. 146-159.

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 81

Home computer enthusiasts are constantly looking
for interesting applications for their investments. As
newcomers to the field of photography, we found the
precise temperatures and timing required in developing
color prints a bit intimidating. A microcomputer acting
as a prompter is a useful addition to the photo lab. Using
a real time clock, the computer can not only beep when
it is time to do something, it can tell you what to do (via
teletype orT.V. typewriter). After the processing is over,
the computer will even turn on the lights for you auto-
matically. But if you aren’t into photography, keep read-
ing. The hardware and software presented here are ap-
plicable to any complex process lasting less than 99
minutes and in which timing is critical. There are many
applications in cooking and labwork. You can even use
it to wake yourself after that 10 or 15 minute catnap.

HARDWARE

The basic hardware in our system consists of a
SWTPC MP6800 computer with 4K, a SWTPC CT-1024
Video Terminal, an AC-30 Cassette Interface, and an MP-L
Parallel Interface. The MP-L Interface is necessary for
any type of real world interfacing. The SWTPC MP-L
Parallel Interface consists of a Motorola 6820 Peripheral
Interface Adapter Integrated Circuit (PIA) and the neces-
sary buffering. Sixteen data lines are available for input
or output along with 4 control lines. The parallel inter-
face is plugged into I/O slot 0 in the SWTPC computer.
Any slot may be used by changing the value of the cons-
tant PIAO in the program.

Not being particularly hardware oriented, we tried to
make the additional hardware for the computer promp-
ter as simple as possible. The circuit was developed by
experimentation on a breadboard out of spare parts ly-
ing around the workbench. The values of resistances
and capacitances are not very critical. The values shown
in Figure 1 work well.

A microcomputer acting as a
prompter is a useful addition to the
photo lab. . .it can tell you what to
do (via teletype or T.V. typewriter).
After the processing is over, the
computer will. . .turn out the lights. . .

The operation of the hardware is as follows. A 60 cy-
cle, 12 volt A.C. signal is taken from the computer power
supply. The signal is conditioned and fed into the 74C08
CMOS ‘‘AND’’ Gate where it emerges as 60 Hz TTL
pulses. The pulses are fed to the 7490 Decade Counter.
The output on line 1 1 of the decade counter is a 6 Hz TTL
pulse which is fed to Cl on the SWTPC parallel interface
(CB1 Interrupt Input on the 6820 PIA). The peripheral in-
put line CB1 is used to set the interrupt flag of the con-
trol register of the PIA six times a second. The interrupts
are serviced six times a second by the software.

The rest of the circuit is a beeper that is controlled by
the “A” side of the PIA. The input to the beeper is con-
nected to 00 of the SWTPC parallel interface (Line PA0
on the 6820 PIA) and is controlled by the software. Of
course, up to 8 output devices such as lights or beepers
could be connected to 00-07 or 256 if multiplexed, but at
the moment we are only using one beeper. The output
signal from the PIA is buffered by passing through the
74C08. The signal is then used to turn the beeper, which

consists of the 555 Timer and its associated compo-
nents, on and off. We determined that this buffering was
necessary to prevent erratic and unreliable operation of
the real time clock. An output of a hex byte “01 "will turn
the beeper on, and an output of "00" will turn it off.

SOFTWARE

In writing the software, our two goals were to make
the software as flexible as possible and to keep it as
short as possible. The result is a program 235io bytes
long with a data area following the program. Data is
entered into the program in the format shown in the
"comments” section of Program 1. The messages need
not be input in their order of output. If an incorrect
character is input in the message, it may be deleted by
typing a “Ctrl 0D’.

The program consists of three main sections. The
first section starts with the label “BEGIN” and reads the
times and messages to be output. A carriage return and
a line feed are output. The minute and second of the
first message are read in (assumed to be in decimal) and
are converted to hexadecimal representation for stor-
age. Data is stored sequentially beginning at address
010B. A 99io (HEX 63) signals the end of the input and
the program jumps to the second section. If a 99io is not
read, a hex byte is read after the seconds. This hex byte
will later be output on lines 00 through 07 of the Parallel
Interface. Next, the message is read one character at a
time until it is terminated by a “Ctrl D”.

The beginning of the second section of the program is
marked by the label "INIT” in Program 1. The second
section does the outputting of messages at specified
times. First, the real time clock is reset to zero. Next, the
clock is started by the “CLI”, clear interrupt instruction.
The program starts to search the data area which begins
at address 010A for a byte containing “04". An 04 marks
the beginning of a data record. The next byte contains
the minute that the message is to be printed or a 63n. A
63>e signals that the end of the input has been reached
and the program waits until the second changes and
then restarts the search at 01 0A for a message to out-
put. If a 63ie is not encountered, the minute and second
are compared with the current values of the real time
clock minutes and seconds stored in addresses 0020 and
0021. If the times match, the third byte following the 04 is
output to the A side of the PIA. This byte controls the
beeper circuit. Next, a carriage return and a line feed are
output, followed by the minute, second, hex byte and
message that are to be printed. The time is converted to
decimal representation before output. Next, a zero byte
is output to the A side of the PIA to turn off the beeper.
The program then waits until the second counter changes,
then restarts the search for a message at 01 0A.

The final section of the program begins with the label
“IRQ" and is the real time clock interrupt servicing rou-
tine. Six times a second, the clock pulse at Cl on the
parallel interface causes bit 7 in control register "B” in
the PIA to be set. This in turn causes the IRQ input line
to the microprocessor to be grounded. Upon this inter-
rupt signal, the Motorola MIKBUG™ software causes a
jump to the Interrupt service routine indirectly through
the addresses A000 and A001. These addresses have
been previously loaded with 00E6, the address of "IRQ".
Thus a clock pulse at Cl causes a jump to “IRQ” section
of the program. First a check of bit 7 of control register
“B” is done to determine that it was the clock that caused
the interrupt. Next, bit 7 is cleared. The sixth of a second
counter is incremented. If the counter is equal to 6, it Is
reset to zero and the second counter Is Incremented.
Likewise, If the second counter is equal to 60, It Is reset
to zero and the minute counter is incremented. A return
from interrupt is executed.

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AQE 83

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00(6 27

00 k* *F

(Ik* Cl
6C(* OA
•O b « 20

G6(b 60

60LO OO

00(7 10

00(6 co

60(0 OA
00 (* 20
QC(k FO
0OL( lb
60(k 26

OOkt 20

COIF 80
( 0(6 coc*
60(2 21

00 (* ct

00(6 27

60(0 50

00(6 06
60(7 0002

00(0 2A

ooi* xc

00(0 86
00(( 8002

ecu 7C
CC(* 0022

60>1 06
CC>< 06

00* 2 *1
00*6 22
60*0 26
00*6 12

(6*7 TF
00*6 0022

60* A TC
06(0 0021

IlFl 06
Of* t JC

CO* ► 01

(1(6 21
BlOl 26
0l6« 66

6lQA 7F
0 1 66 0021

Olgo 7C
6 lwT 0020
01«6 SO

QlO* 06

uoo*

uoo/ nothin xm

6t*e NOTSLC l«*

BOOT* A 00 LliAA

OlOO IN*

010* CHPA

610* Dili

610* LOAA

6106 CAF»

« 10 a 846

vio* in*

010/ CNF*

6 1 0* ONI

OlOO Ll»AA

• llw IN*

Bill ClU»A

Oil* Obi

Oil* LOAA

0116 LOAM

oila 1TA8

(.116 STAA

•117 816

Olio OCA

611* OO

olio 810

6121 SIN

.012* JSR

0124

6126 CLNA

•12a STAA

•126 OCL LbAd

012/ OCLAf C«M»»

6l2« ONI

012* BA*

olio TIKF LUAb

•12* in*

•12* St*

•12* C(M*

•1*6 Nl C»*»B

61*3 MM

•12* AObA

•127 IuUb

•12« UA

• 137 N2 *B *

• 160 **1HA

•16* 71*

016* JIN

M 16 * INS

•166 LO*

•160 MTS

Ul6» 1M0 (OAA

•167 BPL

•16* LOAA

•16* INC

•ISM LOAA

• 111 CHT»A

Mil* 8NC

Mil A CLN

•186 INC

•18a LOAA

•IS* ChPA

•1S7 BNL

•IS* C(M

•ISO INC

•I»m (*l T Mil
m16* OATA FCB

•IN* INC

AOC

AOb

X

(ILL

MIN

NOTHIN

A

SIC

noiolc

X

see

cue

•MAO

CM(F

TIHNP
T IHL**
OuT**S

POA»Al

PUO

ewe

see

PCC.0

OCLAT

X

ISAVL

• 10
N2

.*•10*

• 10
NX

OUT**S

XSAVL

P1AW«3

exit

P1A0«|

S1XTM

•1

SIXTH

EXIT

SlAT"

see
• 60
ICC
LX|I

see

hjn

X * 06 •

CNCCK FOR UCClNNlNC OP MCCO«U

CHCCK FOR LNO OF OAT*

CHCCR HIN OF CNTRT *6* INST CuMUNl H|N

(HCCM SCC OF CNTRT AGAINST CuMAlM ICC

LOAO b T TC TO UNO TO Pl*6
S A VC CURRCNT SCC COUNT

SC NO BVTC TO Pi AO

LUBMOUT INC TO OUTPUT CR/LF

MACM TO SCCONOS
MAC* TO H1NUTCS
•RITC OUT HI*

•R1TL OUT SCC

•RITC OUT UATA SCNT TO PIAO
•RXTC OUT HCS1A6L

SCNU 2CR0 MTU TO PIAO

•All TILL SCC CHANGES

OUTPUT UHL IN 0ASC 10
SAVE X REG

OCO CONVERSION * On OUTPUT OF TINt

KCSTOMC X MEG

beginning of clock interrupt Routine

LXIT IF INTERRUPT *(*6 is lleaa
CLEAR INTERRUPT Flag

1NCRLHCNT 1/6 SCCONO COUNTLR

IF SIXTH. NL. 6 THEN EXIT

IF SlX'N.C0*6 THEN NCUT SIXTH 10 2EMO

AND INCRCNLNT SCCONOS

IF SLC.NC.60 Then c*i t

IF see. CO. 60 ThCN AC St I SCC TO *1X0

ANO 1NCRCHLNT HINUTC

LNO OF CLOLR INTERRUPT

000001 ■ "CIBACHROME’ ‘(Ctrl D)

000200START BY POURING DEVELOPER INTO HOLDING CUP (Ctrl D)
001001TURN TANK ON SIDE AND BEGIN AGITATION (Ctrl D)

020001 DRAIN DEVELOPER AND ADD BLEACH TO HOLDING CUP (Ctrl D)
021001TURN TANK ON SIDE AND BEGIN AGITATION (Ctrl D)

060001 DRAIN BLEACH AND ADD FIXER TO HOLDING CUP (Ctrl D)
061001TURN TANK ON SIDE AND BEGIN AGITATION (Ctrl D)

091001 DRAIN FIXER (Ctrl D)

092001 REMOVE CAP, WASH PRINT IN RUNNING WATER (Ctrl D)
122001 REMOVE PRINT, DRY WITH HAIR DRYER (Ctrl D)

192001 PRINT FINISHED! (Ctrl D)

99

Figure 2. Sample Input for Cibachrome Processing

PHOTOPROCESSING EXAMPLE

The system presented in this article is a general purpose
timer and applicable to any short time process. We have
found the prompter system very useful in doing photo-
graphic print processing using the Cibachrome* process.

To run the program, begin by storing 0044 in locations
A048 and A049. Type G to begin. Figure 2 is a listing of
the input for the 12 minute Cibachrome developing pro-
cedure. Figure 3 shows a portion of memory after enter-

ADORESS CONTENTS

010A

04

m

a

2A

□

49

42

41

43

48

52

4F

4D

45

□

B

*

B

1

B

A

C

H

R

0

M

E

011A

2A

2A

04

□

S3

S3

S3

□

20

PM

*

*

u

□

□

□

□

■

LJ

D

a

. . .

B

r

r

0278

20

48

41

49

m

20

a

52

□

52

04

13

14

01

50

H

A

1

□

□

R

□

□

R

19

20

01

P

0288

23

4E

S3

46

□

4E

23

48

a

□

a

04

63

□

D

N

□

■

F

!

N

D

□

H

u

E

1

99

Figure 3. Hexadecimal Representation of Messages in
Memory with Decimal or ASCII Equivalent Shown Below

ing the input in Figure 2. To restart the program to pro-
cess additional prints, just hit the reset button, load
006D in addresses A048 and A049 and type G. To save
the Cibachrome instructions and the program on tape,
set A002 to 00, A003 to 20, A004 to 2, and A005 to 97. Use
the MIKBUG “P" command to save the program and
data on tape. The program and data can then be loaded
from tape using the MIKBUG "L” command and run us-
ing the restart instructions.D

Photograph on Page 82 by Shelley Wright

* Cibachrome is a simple process developed by Ilford for
making color prints from slides. The "Discovery Kit", for
less than $20, contains all the supplies needed to pro-
duce 20 5" x 4" prints from your favorite slides. The Kit
comes complete with an ingenious developing tank
which allows the developing to proceed in a lighted
room. The tank contains a holding cup which holds the
chemical until the tank is turned on its side, at which
time the chemical flows over the print. When the tank is
uprighted, the spent chemical flows out a bottom drain,
and the next chemical can be added to the holding cup.

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 85

Computer Generated
Morse Code

By Jim McClure

For some time I have been Interested In becoming a
radio amateur and obtaining a General Class license.
Unfortunately, the test administered by the Federal
Communications Commission requires that a General
Class radio amateur be able to send and receive Morse
Code at a minimum speed of thirteen words per minute,
not a natural ability by any means. 1 was reminded that
"practice makes perfect" applied doubly to code, and
the only way to learn it was to copy code sent by a profi-
cient ham until I had mastered the required speed. Find-
ing a proficient ham required me to look no farther than
an Altalr 8800 microcomputer.

The accompanying program, written for an 8080 micro-
processor, accepts text from a console device and out-
puts the text to an audio amplifier as Morse Code. Since
I am not a hardware type, the program was written to
perform all necessary tone generation and modulation
to simulate a code practice oscillator. All that Is needed
In the way of special hardware, beside the computer and
a terminal, is a low-fi audio amplifier. While this program
was intended for an 8080, It can be rewritten for other
systems using the flowcharts presented with this article.

SPEED

DASHL
Sets length
of dash

DOTL

Sets length
of dot

SPACEL
Sets delay
between
units

PAUSEL
Sets delay
between
characters

5 WPM

80H

30 H

0AH

0FFFFH

10WPM

40H

10H

08H

070FFH

15 WPM

30H

0CH

06H

040FFH

Table 1.

When activated, the program prints a question mark
on the console and waits for a line of text to be typed.
(The rubout key will delete a previously entered charac-
ter If a mistake is made.) After a carriage return Is re-
ceived, conversion from ASCII to Morse Code begins.

In addition to all upper case letters, the symbols for
period, comma, semicolon, colon, and question mark are
accepted by the program. Any other characters are Ignored.

Conversion from ASCII to Morse Code Is accomplished
through a master table which contains an entry for each
legal character. Each entry consists of two bytes. The first
byte Indicates the number of sending units (dashes or
dots) for the desired character. Each bit of the second byte,
read from right to left, represents a sending unit. If the
bit Is a zero, the corresponding sending unit will be a dot.
Otherwise a dash will be sent. Figure 1 gives an example.

Table entry: Byte 1 = 0000001 0B Byte 2 = 0000001 OB

According to byte 1, we read two bits of byte 2 from
right to left, generating a dot for the zero bit and a dash
for the next bit since it is a one. This gives us the Morse
Code equivalent of the letter 'A'.

Figure 1.

The tone generation portion of the program operates
on the same principle as many of the popular no-hard-
ware computer music synthesizers. The processor turns
an output line on and off at a high rate, thereby generat-
ing a square wave of a frequency In the audio range. This
line Is then coupled to an amplifier, where the wave’s
level Is boosted to drive a speaker. The output line Is
usually one bit of a parallel Interface. However, all of my
Interfaces are serial type. Having no desire to buy or
build a parallel port, I decided that the Input to the audio

amplifier could be connected to the ‘INTE’ LED on the
front panel of the computer by means of a .22 microfarad
capacitor. This LED Is lit whenever Interrupts are en-
abled by the processor. This means that the LED can be
turned on by executing an 'El' (enable Interrupts) In-
struction and turned off by executing a ‘Dl’ (disable In-
terrupts) Instruction. Instead of modulating an output
port, the program simply executes ’El' and 'DC instruc-
tions at a fast rate, causing the LED to blink, and thereby
producing a tone for the amplifier. Of course, If a latch-
ing parallel Interface is available, all this can be dis-
carded by following the procedure detailed In Figure 2.

Replace all ‘El’ instructions with:

MVI A,1

OUT address of parallel port

Replace all ‘Dl’ instructions with:

MVI A,0

OUT address of parallel port

Connect audio Input line in series with a .22 microfarad
capacitor to bit 0 of your parallel port.

Figure 2.

All timing Is controlled by four variables which are set
at the beginning of the program to send code at about
five words per minute. As receiving speed increases, the
values of these variables may be adjusted to send at a
higher rate. Table 1 lists the four variables and values for
common speeds.

In order to run the program, two routines must be add-
ed which input from and output to the console device.
The addresses of these two routines must be stored In
the main program as follows:

0206H — Store low address of console Input routine
0207H — Store high address of console Input routine
0209H — Store low address of console output routine
020AH — Store high address of console output routine

The Input routine should return a character from the
console in register A. The output routine should print a
character from register C. No other registers are to be
modified.

One last address should be added at locations 020CH
(low byte) and 020DH (high byte). This is the address that
the program jumps to when a carriage return with no
text Is typed in response to the question mark prompt.
This address should be the entry point of whatever resi-
dent monitor is present In the system.

With regard to the hardware connection between the
audio amplifier and the computer, the input cable (should
be shielded) may be attached to the Display Control board
of an Altalr 8080A Just behind the ‘INTE’ light and run
out the back of the unit. If no front panel Is available, a
connection may be made to the S-100 bus at pin 28.
Make sure that the amplifier being used has a fairly high
Input Impedance so as not to load down any internal
computer circuits, and don’t forget the .22 microfarad
capacitor between the computer and the amplifier. A
good ground connection Is also Important to minimize
hum and noise pickup.

If a parallel port Is being used, the connection to the
amplifier should be made according to the instructions
given In Figure 2.

While all of this may seem like a lot of work, It goes
quickly and yields surprisingly good results. You’ll look
far and wide before you find a ham who sends as smoothly
as the computer. □

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AQE 87

Ftowdiarl 1 Main Rovlb-w

Ftowchan 1 Xmli fcAwtlna

88 INTERFACE AQE

OCTOBER 1978

PROGRAM LISTING

0080

•

BUF

EOU

80H

1 TERN INAL READ BUFFER

0020

•

SPACE

EQU

20M

1 SPACE CHARACTER

0000

•

CR

EOU

• OH

1 CARRIAGE RETURN

000A

■

LF

EQU

BAH

ILINE FEEO

0007

■

BELL

EQU

07H

1 BELL

0B7F

■

RUB

EOU

7FH

; RUBOUT

0000

■

PITCH

EQU

BO0H

1 SETS FREQUENCY OF TONE

0080

•

DASHL

EQU

80H

1 SETS DELAY FOR DASH

0030

■

00 TL

EQU

30H

JSETS DELAY FOR DOT

000A

■

SPACEL

EQU

•AH

1 SET DELAY BETWEEN SEND UNITS

FFFF

•

PAUSEL

EQU

•FFFFH

J SET DELAY BETWEEN CHARACTERS

SBIDBi

0100

COB90I

CALL

INPUT

1 READ A LINE FROM CONSOLE

0103

1 16000

LX 1

D/ BUF

01B6

87

ORA

A

1 CHECK COUNT OF CHARACTERS

0107

CA0E02

JE

DONE

II F EERO THEN QUIT

010A

47

SENOLi

HOV

B# A

I COUNT OF CHARACTERS INTO REG. B

0100

IA

LOAX

0

l GET CHARACTER TO BE SENT

eioc

4F

HOV

C/ A

ISAVE IN REG. C

0100

FE20

CPI

SPACE

0I0F

CC3CBI

Cl

PAUSE

I IF SPACE THEN PAUSE

01 12

CC3C0I

Cl

PAUSE

0115

CA340I

Jl

SEN ON

IAND SEND NEXT CHARACTER

0118

FE26

CPI

40

01 IA

DA340I

JC

SEN ON

I HAKE SURE IT IS VALID

0110

FESB

CPI

' E ’ ♦ 1

1 ELSE SKIP IT

01 IF

023401

JNC

SEN ON

0122

211402

LX I

M/ TABLE

I SET POINTER TO CONVERSION TABLE

0125

05

PUSH

0

I SAVE REG. D-E

0126

0628

SUI

40

I SUBTRACT LOWEST VALID CHARACTER

Bl 28

17

RAL

ITIHES 2

0129

5F

HOV

E, A

1 SET UP ADDITION

8I2A

1600

HVI

0,0

1 CLEAR D REG.

0I2C

19

DAO

D

1 POIMT TO TABLE ENTRY

0 1 2D

CD5201

CALL

XHIT

I SEND THE CHARACTER

0130

01

POP

0

I RESTORE POINTER TO BUFFER

0131

CO3C0I

SEN ONi

CALL

PAUSE

IVAIT BEFORE NEXT CHARACTER

• 134

13

I NX

0

JNDCT CHARACTER

0135

05

OCR

B

0136

C20BBI

JNE

SENDL

J LOOP TIL BUFFER EHPTY

0139

C30O6I

JNP

SENDS

nr EHPTY START OVER

PAUSE l

• ISC

F5

PUSH

PSV

iSAVE STATUS

• 130

05

PUSH

0

BISE

1 E02

PAUIl

HVI

£/ 2

0140

21FFTF

LX!

K« PAUSEL

0143

2D

OCR

L

• 144

C2430I

JNE

8- 1

1 DELAY BETWEEN CHARACTERS

8147

25

OCR

H

8148

C243B1

JNE

8-5

814B

10

OCR

E

II4C

C248BI

JNE

PAU1

II4F

01

POP

D

1150

FI

POP

PSV

1 RESTORE STATUS

>151

C9

RET

•iss rs
1 1 S3 CS
8154 46

eiss af

CIS6 Be
•I 57 CA6DBI
C1SA 23
•ISB 4C

BISC 79
0 1 SO B7
BISE IF
etSF DC7001
0162 D489BI
0165 4 F
B I 66 CDA2BI
Bl 69 OS
BI6A C2SC6I

BI6D Cl
BI6E FI
0I6F C9

0170 F5

0171 ES

0172 2680

0174 F3

0175 2ED0
•177 20
0178 C2770I
0I7B FB
0I7C 2EO0
0I7E 2D
0I7F C27E8I
•182 25
0183 C2740I
0186 £1

0187 FI

0188 C9

0189 F5
0I8A ES
BIBB 2630

0180 F3
Cl BE 2ED0

0190 20

0191 C290BI

0194 FB

0195 2ED0

0197 20

0198 C29701
0I9B 25
0I9C C28D0I
0I9F El
0IA0 FI
0IAI C9

•IA2 FS
BIAS ES
8IA4 26BA

PUSH

PSV

ISAVE STATUS

PUSH

B

HOV

D,M

IOET NUMBER OF UNITS

XRA

A

I CLEAR ACCUMULATOR

ORA

B

I SEE IF REG. B IS EERO

JE

XHITE

IIP SO THEN DO NOT SEND

I NX

H

HOV

C/M

ISAVE BYTE CODE IN REG. C

HOV

A» C

1 GET BYTE COOE FROH REG. C

ORA

A

1 CLEAR CARRY FLAG

RAR

ITEST FIRST BIT

cc

DASH

IIF HIGH THEN SEND A DASH

CNC

DOT

I IF LOW THEN SEND A DOT

HOV

C/A

ISAVE SHIFTED CODE

CALL

SPACER

I DELAY BEFORE SENDING NEXT UNIT

DCR

B

1 CHECK COUNT

JNE

XHITL

I LOOP UNTIL EERO

POP

B

1 RESTORE ALL REGS.

POP

PSW

RET

PUSH

PSV

ISAVE ALL REGS.

PUSH

H

HVI

H, DASHL

1 DELAY FOR DASH

01

HVI

L, PITCH

1 FREQUENCY DETERMINING

DCR

L

JNE

8-1

E!

INEXT CYCLE

HVI

L/ PITCH

I HAKE SQUARE WAVE

OCR

L

JNE

8- 1

OCR

H

1 MAJOR LOOP

JNE

DA SHI

POP

H

POP

PSW

1 RESTORE REGS.

RET

PUSH

PSW

ISAVE ALL REGS*

PUSH

H

HVI

H» DOTL

1 DELAY FOR DOT

01

HVI

L, PITCH

1 FREQUENCY DETERMINING

DCR

L

JNE

8-1

El

HVI

L/PITCM

IMAXE SQUARE WAVE

DCR

L

JNE

8-1

OCR

H

JNE

DOT 1

1 MAJOR LOOP

POP

K

POP

PSW

1 RESTORE REGS.

RET

1

PUSH

PSW

ISAVE ALL REGS.

POSH

KV!

H, SPACEL I PAUSE FOP A DOT

0IA6 2ED0

HVI

L/ PI TCH I FREQUENCY DETERMINING

0IA8 2D

DCR

L

0IA9 C2A80I

JNC

8-1

• 1 AC 2ED0

HVI

L/Pl TCH I FREQUENCY DETERMINING

01 AE 20

DCR

L

0IAF C2AE01

JNC

8-1

0IB2 25

DCR

H

0 1 83 C2A60I

JNC

SPAC1

0106 El

POP

H 1 RESTORE REGS.

•IB7 FI

POP

PSV

•IB8 C9

RET

1

BUFFERED INPUT ROUTINE

I

TYPING A RUDOUT WILL DELETE THE PREVIOUSLY TYPED CHARACTER

t

AND RE-ECHO IT. TYPING A RUBOUT WITH NO CHARATERS ON LINE

I

WILL ECHO A BELL.

A BELL WILL ALSO BE ECHOED IF THE MAXIMUM

1

LINE LIMIT OF 80

CHARACTERS IS EXCEEDED

1

INPUTl

0IB9 COFA0I

CALL

CRLF I ECHO A CR ANO A LF

•IBC 0E3F

HVI

C# ' 7 * I DISPLAY PROMPT

0 1 BE C 00802

CALL

COUT

0 1 Cl 218000

LX!

H/ BUF I INPUT BUFFER

0IC4 0658

HVI

B,80 ILINE LIMIT

INI 1

0IC6 CD0S02

CALL

CINP I GET CHARACTER FROM CONSOLE

0IC9 77

MOV

N,A 1 STORE IN MEMORY

•ICA FE0D

CPI

CR 1 SEE IF FINISHED

•ICC CAEA0I

JC

IMPEND

0ICF FE7F

CPI

RUB 1 SEE IF A DELETE

0101 CAEEBI

JC

RUDCHR

0 1 04 23

I NX

H J NEXT LOCATION

OIOS 05

OCR

B 1 CHECK COUNT

•106 C2E30I

JNC

INR

0109 04

INR

B i IF LIMIT EXCEEOEO

•IDA 2B

OCX

H

I ERROR!

01 DB 0E07

MV1

C * BELL I ECHO A BELL

01 DO C 00802

CALL

COUT

0IE0 C3C60I

JHP

INI IAND GET NEXT CHARACTER

IN2 «

0IE3 4F

MOV

C# A

0IE4 CD0802

CALL

COUT 1 ECHO CHARACTER

0IE7 C3C60I

JHP

INI

INPENDt

0 1 EA 3E50

MV!

A. 80

•ICC 90

SUB

B 1 RETURN WITH NUMBER OF

01 ED C9

RET

I CHARACTERS IN REG. A

RUBCHRi

• 1 EE 78

HOV

A/ B 1 CHECK COUNT

0 IEF FE50

CPI

80

0IFI CADB01

JC

1 ERROR IIF EERO THEN AN ERROR

0IF4 04

INR

B 1 ELSE

01FS 20

OCX

H 1 DELETE LAST CHARACTER

0IF6 7E

MOV

A/H

01F7 C3E301
1

JHP

1N2 1 ANO RE-ECHO IT

CRLFl

01 FA 0E0D

HVI

C# CR 1 ECHO A CARRIAGE RETURN

OIFC C 00802

CALL

COUT

•IFF 0E0A

HVI

c*lf ; and a line feeo

0201 C 00802

CALL

COUT

0204 C9

RET

1

JUMPS TO I/O ROUTINES

0205 C30000

CINPl JHP

00000H 1 CONSOLE INPUT ROUTINE

0208 C30000

COUTl JHP

eeeeoH > console output routine

020B C30000

BOOTi JHP

aeeeoH i monitor entry point

1

DON El

020E CDF AO 1

CALL

CRLF 1 PRINT A CR ANO LF

0211 C30B02

JHP

BOOT 1 RETURN TO SYSTEM MONITOR

I

TABLE OF LETTERS

TABLE 1

0214 0620

DO

6. 101 I0IB

0216 0620

DD

6/ 101 1 0 1 B

0218 0000

DB

0/00

02) A 0000

DB

0/OB

02 1 C 0633

OB

6,1100118

021 E 0000

OB

0/OB

0220 062A

OB

6/1010108

0222 0509

OB

S/0I0OID

0224 05 1 F

DD

5/I1IIIB

0226 05 1 E

DB

5/ II HOB

0228 05 1C

OB

5/ 1 1 I0OB

022A B5IB

DB

5/ 1 I0C0B

022C 0510

DB

5/ 100000

022C 0500

DB

5/000000

0230 0501

OB

5/00C0IB

0232 0503

DB

S/0001 IB

0234 0507

DD

S/00I1IB

0236 050F

DB

5/01 1 1 IB

0238 0607

DD

6/0001 1 IB

023A 0615

DB

6/ 01010 IB

•23C 0000

DB

O,0B

023E 0000

OB

0/0B

0240 0800

DB

0/0B

0242 060C

OD

6/001 I00D

•244 0000

OB

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OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 89

BUSINESS SECTION

By Rodnay Zaks

SYBEX, Inc.

BUSINESS MICROCOMPUTERS:
FRAUD OR REALITY?

Microcomputers have been widely
advertised as being applicable to
many type of small businesses.
Within the last several months hard-
ware costs have dropped below the
$10,000 mark, thus putting the pro-
spect of automation closer to the
small businessman’s pocketbook.

With this decrease in cost has
come, surprisingly enough, an ex-
tremely high degree of capability, or
more correctly, probable capabili-
ties. The essential question, how-
ever, is: do microcomputers offer
total capabilities to the business-
man today?

The answer to this question is an
emphatic No! But to understand
why, an understanding of where the
business micro came from and what
it is expected to do must be explored.

FROM HOME TO
BUSINESS COMPUTERS

An article in the January 1975
issue of Popular Electronics, by
Leslie Solomon, revealed the ex-
istence of a low cost microcomputer
available to hobbyists. The com-
puter was, of course, the MITS
Altair, based on the 8080 micro-
processor. With the publication of
the article came the beginning of
what was projected to be a huge
home computing market.

Within months, small companies
were forming to fill the hardware
gap, and no end appeared in sight.
Yet three years later the hobbyist
market has bottomed out and the in-
dustry is targeting to an even more
promising market: the small busi-
ness. However, with this market
turnaround has come different prob-
lems for the manufacturers.

Businessmen cannot and will not
tolerate the lengthy delays that so
characterized the industry In its hob-
byist days. Reliability has become
an even more important factor; and,
of course, cost.

Taking all of these problems into
account, the industry has done well
in providing solutions to meet deliv-
ery dates, and improving industry to
end user relations.

But with improving the hardware
and reducing costs, the microcom-
puter manufacturer has created yet
another problem: that of represent-
ing current systems as the busi-

nessman's rosetta stone — the cure-
all that will solve all the ills and
management problems of ALL small
businesses in the country. Is this a
Fraud or a Reality?

REQUIREMENTS OF
BUSINESS COMPUTING

Automating any small business
requires the availability of special-
ized files and file management pro-
grams for: accounts receivable, ac-
counts payable, payroll, general
ledger, inventory, tax, bank ac-
counts, sales reports, and other
reports, journals or ledgers that are
important to a specific business
type. To automate these types of ac-
tivities offers a welcome benefit
when time is of consideration. The
results should be threefold: improved
accuracy, almost instant availability
of reports and statistics and a reduc-
tion in manpower.

However, to achieve all these
benefits a method of file manage-
ment must be established. This
means that whenever a transaction
is performed, all necessary pro-
grams or subsystems must be pro-
perly updated without performing
extra entries of the same information.

For example, when a sales trans-
action is entered the customer and
sales information are entered along
with a billing date. On entry, the ac-
counts receivable journal should be
updated along with establishing a
new record to the customer file.
While this is taking place, or in se-
quence with, the inventory records
are updated to reflect the notation
that an item(s) have sold and are
physically removed from the shelves.
When the billing date is established,
a shipping date may be in order
which causes another sequence of
events to take place.

Sounds complicated, but is only a
direct reflection of what is done
every day under manual methods.

Another requirement for business
computer systems is that the differ-
ences between businesses must be
taken into consideration. An account-
ing system that works well for a
hardware store will probably be of
no use to a book dealer or dry clean-
ing operation. Each business has
different needs; even those busi-
nesses engaged in the same type of
activity. Consequently, both the
hardware — physical computer sys-
tem — and software — the working
programs — must be designed to fit
the defined user’s needs.

Flexibility is also essential in a busi-
ness environment. Initially the needs
of the business might be served by a
number of simple software packages
performing the traditional functions.
However, it might quickly become
desirable to add other customized
routines to this set. Unless the com-
petence exists in-house and all
packages being utilized are fully
documented, the task necessary to
add the required additional facilities
might become prohibitive.

The requirements of the small busi-
ness are technically best served by a
highly complex set of programs cus-
tomized for the specific business.
Clearly, this approach is not now real-
istic in view of the general unavail-
ability of sophisticated software and
the very high cost of programming
relative to the cost of the hardware.
Limitations in the value of the busi-
ness programs will therefore exist.

THE HARDWARE

Every microcomputer system first
requires a box containing the micro-
computer itself, i.e. the micropro-
cessor board, the memory boards,
any required interface boards, plus a
power supply. In addition, the
system requires a business quality
printer, a CRT terminal and some
form of mass storage.

The microcomputer itself often
appears as the crucial choice in the
selection of a business system. It is
probably the least important one.
The speed of the microprocessor
itself is almost irrelevant. Because
nearly ail business systems are im-
plemented in a high level language,
the efficiency of the software inter-
preter or compiler which is used to
execute this high level language is
the item of crucial importance for
the efficiency of the system.

There are naturally advantages
and disadvantages inherent to each
microprocessor. For example, in
order to enjoy the possible benefits
of standardized boards, any system
providing an S-100 bus offers an ad-
vantage. It requires, in turn, an 8080
or Z80 microprocessor. However,
provided that the sufficient set of
peripherals be available from the
start, the option to be able to add
new fancy boards may be more ap-
pealing to the hobbyist than the
business person, and other busses
than S-100 might be equaly accept-
able. The choice of this beautiful
microprocessor box may therefore
be based on the established reputa-

90 INTERFACE AQE

OCTOBER 1978

IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

tion of the manufacturer, its assumed
reliability, or the possible advan-
tages of its bus structure.

The hardware items which may
have the most important signifi-
cance for the businessman are by
far the peripherals. It must be re-
membered that the cost of the peri-
pherals will usually be the dominant
cost in a system. Peripherals are
likely to be usable over a significant
period of time, whereas the micro-
computer mainframe is likely to be
obsolete in a short amount of time.
It might be more valuable to invest
time in the correct selection of the
long lived expensive peripherals than
in the selection of the mainframe.

THE SOFTWARE

Software refers to all the pro-
grams necessary to make efficient
use of the set of hardware resources
available on a system. At this time,
no complete business software
facility exists for microcomputers!

Partial implementations exist and
a number of simple packages are
now available which will perform
(usually separately) payroll, ac-
counts receivable, general ledger,
and other functions. However, the
crucial task of simultaneous file
management and sequential activa-
tion of selected programs is, as yet,
not implemented. Such software
solves business problems indivi-
dually but does not provide the com-
prehensive facility needed for the effi-
cient use of the hardware resources.

Because good comprehensive soft-
ware is not yet available, microcom-
puters do not have the capability of
solving all the business problems
that are advertised.

IS THIS A FRAUD?

Current software available for micro-
computers makes them capable of
solving a large number of tasks com-
monly associated with business ac-
counting and bookkeeping. Because
of the limitation in the automatic file
handling capability of most of these
programs, the computerization of
these tasks may not result in any
savings in terms of personnel. The
entry of data for computer use tends
to be longer and more complex than
the manual typing of invoices or fill-
ing out of conventional forms. This
is because a number of extra fields
are required, and the entry format is
highly structured. As a result, in
most small companies computeriza-
tion might require somewhat more
manpower than less.

In addition, the possible unreliabil-
ity of hardware and software compo-
nents might result in catastrophic
system breakdown. Every small busi-

ness owner will fully realize the com-
puter "down" at the time that payroll
checks should be generated, especi-
ally when the data needed has been
saved on a single disk file which has
just been wiped because of “accident-
al” error. These drawbacks are real.

THE REAL ADVANTAGES

The real value of contemporary
microcomputer systems, with their
limited software, lies in two areas:
management education, and future
savings.

Every user of new and complex
machinery must spend a significant
period of time to learn the skills
necessary to evaluate and control It.
Therefore, it is considered highly ad-
visable to practice on a used compu-
ter, rather than the expensive new
one, the first time around.

With the introduction of compu-
ters in a business, a phenomenon
known as computer shock occurs.
The radical change of procedures re-
quired by computer programs often
causes personnel to leave, rebel, or
otherwise lose their efficiency.
Similarly, catastrophic initial
failures are likely to occur in the
form of data being wiped out or not
being produced at the right time.

However, because of the limited
cost of microcomputers today, a
heretofore unknown opportunity ex-
ists for the business owner to
familiarize himself and his em-
ployees at minimal cost with this
new technique.

In summary, microcomputers to-
day offer the capability to learn busi-
ness computerization at a modest
cost. In addition, they have the po-
tential in specific situations to bring
modest or sometimes significant
savings in the case of business ex-
pansion. Finally, they may be able to
supply business capabilities which
were simply not existent before.

For these reasons, current micro-
computers are likely to pay for them-
selves several times over in direct
business benefits as well as educa-
tion for the business owner. They
are far from having attained the true
business automation capabilities
which larger computers have demon-
strated so far and should not be pre-
sented as such. Business micro-
computers are a reality. The realistic
evaluation of their limitations is also
a necessity. □

This page is reserved for any com-
pany editorial geared to the small
business market. Please send your
editorial directly to Carl Warren,
Senior Editor, INTERFACE AGE
Magazine, P.O. Box 1234, Cerritos,
CA 90701.

ALPHA MICRO
ACCOUNTING
SOFTWARE

A generalized interactive bookkeep-
ing and accounting system created
by our staff of Certified Public
Accountants for our accounting
practice.

This system has been in constant
use during 1978 with numerous
clients covering a wide range of
business and non-profit activities.
The PJA accounting system is a
complete accounting system and
includes the following subsystems:
Accounts Payable, Accounts Re-
ceivable, Cash Disbursements, Cash
Receipts, Financial Statements,
Fixed Assets, General Ledger, In-
ventory, Payroll and Sales. We plan
for future updates to contain the
following subsystems: Medical and
Professional Billings, Job Costing
and Work in Progress, Order En-
try, EOQ Purchase Orders.

The entire system is menu driven
and chained together allowing the
user to execute all functions without
leaving the PJA system's control.
Advance CRT menu screens are
used throughout, permitting the use
of personnel less familiar with
computers and accounting. Data
entry defaults and edit controls are
used whenever possible to increase
accuracy and productivity. In addi-
tion, all subsystems are interfaced
with the general ledger thus elimin-
ating the need to enter data more
than once.

The complete package and docu-
mentation is available for $2500.
Updates will be provided to all users
at a cost of $25.00 per update.

This system requires an Alpha
Micro computer system, minimum
of 48k of memory, CRT, printer and
dual floppy disk drive.

JfadUon wnd
447 EAST 5TH AVENUE
ANCHORAGE. ALASKA 99501
(907) 272-7261

DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 46

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 91

BUSINESS SECTION

Most literature in the computer field today is geared
towards people who have a great deal of familiarity with
computers. The literature is not geared towards people
who are business oriented. Most of the applications for
computers in the coming years are going to be for the
businessman, the purpose of this article is to help
bridge the gap, and to make computers and computer
applications understandable to the businessman.

We will discuss what use the computer has to a busi-
ness and will show how a computer fits into an overall
business operation. Figure 1 shows the fundamental con-
cept of what a computer does. The input to the computer
is data. Examples of data would be: Joe Dokes paid $10
for a dozen golf balls this morning, we just paid a $214
phone bill, or Tom Harris made a $240 sale to the Jones
Lumber company. Data such as this goes into the compu-
ter. The computer correlates this data, rearranges it and
combines it into a useful form. The output of this would
be information. Information for our purposes here is sim-
ply correlated data, classified data, or summarized data.

Figure 2 shows how a computer fits into an overall busi-
ness operation. The manager or owner of a business, of
course, is at the top of an operation, and the diagram
shows data going into the computer from the manager
and also from the organization itself, the organization
being composed of individual people. The diagram also
shows information going back to the manager, to the
organization or the people in the organization. The com-
puter in no way eliminates the communication that
takes place between the manager and the organization.

If you look at a typical business operation, you will

find they are inundated with paper work, phone calls,
etc. If the paper work and phone calls reach a sufficient
volume, the business can get to a point where one can’t
see the forest for the trees, and instead of proceeding In
an orderly fashion, the manager and the organization
itself can be operating in a mode where it just handles
the first emergency that comes up.

A computer itself is not going to put order into any
such confusion in a business. When a business decides
to get a computer, the preparation that is involved in
order to install the computer forces discipline on the
business itself. The computer has to have things pre-
sented to it in a very precise manner in order to operate
at all. The mere act of getting ready to install a computer
system can put enough order into the business and in-
creased its efficiency to such a point that it more than
pays for the cost of the computer system.

Take another look at Figure 2. Figure 2 shows that the
computer makes information available for the manager
of the organization and also to the employees of the
organization. This increased availability of information
should make the organization more productive, should
increase the availability of its products and should
smooth out the interaction of the organization with its
environment — its customers, its vendors, and the peo-
ple in the neighboring community.

Figure 3 shows the menu for the Business Manage-
ment System that we use on the AM-100 computer. A
menu is simply a list of options. We will go through
these options and briefly describe what each one does.

Overview of A
Business Computer System

By James W. Kitzmiller

92 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

BUSINESS SECTION

Figure 2. Use of a computer In a business.

WHICH WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO?

0 END

1 ORDER ENTRY

2 INVENTORY CONTROL

3 SALES ANALYSIS

4 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

5 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

6 GENERAL LEDGER

7

Figure 3. Menu for the AM-100 Buelneee Management
System.

ORDER ENTRY

Option number one is order entry. Order entry is the
process of telling the computer that a customer has
bought a certain item or set of items from your busi-
ness. The data that you would feed into the computer for

an order entry would be the same data that your sales-
man would put onto a sales slip when he making a sale;
this data would be who the customer is, and his address.
You would also include the name of the salesman as well
as what item is purchased, how many of that item, and
what the sales price is as well as the total price. Please
take note that this order entry provides data to the com-
puter so that the computer in a separate action can pro-
vide information to the organization and to the manager.
INVENTORY CONTROL

Inventory is the collection of products that a business
has for sale to its customers. Inventory control is the
process of keeping track of how many of those items
you have, when it’s time to get more, where they are
stored, how fast they are selling and so forth. The inven-
tory control section of our AM-100 Business Manage-
ment System performs a number of different functions.
One is the actual process of entering data into your in-
ventory data files on the computer. This is the act of pro-
viding data to the computer. Data that you enter would

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 93

BUSINESS SECTION

be a part number for each item, a description of each
item, name of the vendor who provides that item to your
business, the purchase price for that item, the sales
price for that item, how fast you sell that particular item,
how many of those items you have in stock, how long it
takes you to get that item from the time you place an
order for the item until you receive it, and so forth. The
inventory record also shows how many of those items
you have in stock and also how many of those items you
have ordered but have not yet received. Also, the Inven-
tory record contains data about how many of those
items are back-ordered. Back-ordered means that you
have made a sale to a customer but were unable to
deliver the item right away because you did not have it in
stock. The inventory control system would have the
ability to allow you to add all of this data into the files as
well as change any of this data.

The AM-100 Inventory Control System produces many
reports. The first such report is an Inventory Status
Report. That simply lists all of the data that was de-
scribed above for each individual part in stock.

The Inventory On Order Report gives the business
manager, salesman or purchasing agent information
about which items have been purchased by the com-
pany but have not yet been received.

The Inventory Shortage Report gives a list of the in-
ventory items that it is time to purchase. This is dif-
ferent from being out of an item. The computer program
takes into account the fact that the items are being used
at a certain rate and the fact that there is a certain time
period from the time that an order is placed until the
item is actually received. The Inventory Shortage Report
gives a list of the items which should be purchased at
this time from the vendors.

Another option of our AM-100 Inventory Control System
allows the purchasing agent for the business to select
which of the items to order at this time. He will use
knowledge of the availability of cash and credit in order
to determine which of those items should be purchased.

Another section of our Inventory Control System is the
Physical Inventory Checklist. This is a list of inventory
items printed on an 8V2" x 11” sheet of paper that allows
a stock clerk In the organization to go around and take a
physical count of how many of each item are in stock. The
result of this physical inventory will be used to make any
corrections of errors in the inventory count that is stored
on the computer itself. For example, if the computer says
you have five items in stock but the physical inventory
count shows there are only four, the business owner can
correct the data that is stored on the computer.

Another inventory report is the Inventory by Value
Report. This report shows the dollar value of each inven-
tory Item in stock. For example, your merchandise was
worth a dollar each, and you have four of them in stock,
it would show the item, four dollars worth of value; it
also lists how many and the cost of each one. The com-
puter sorts this data in to the order of total value for each
type of Item, so that merchandise of greater value would
appear before that of lesser value.

Another feature of our inventory control system
allows the user to print purchase orders. Rather than
printing these purchase orders on a special type of
form, we simply print them on a blank 8Vi" x 11” paper
so that the user does not have to buy any special forms.

SALES ANALYSIS

A sale is the transfer of ownership of a company product
to a customer and receiving monetary exchange. Analy-
sis is the act of breaking something down into its parts.

The Sales Analysis part of our Business Management
System performs three different types of Sales Analysis.

The first type is Sales Analysis by Salesman. This
lists the dollar value of the sales for each salesman. In-
formation such as this can be used by the sales mana-
ger to see which salesmen are doing the best, and he
can find out which actions these salesmen are taking
that make them successful.

Another report of the Sales Analysis System is Sales
Analysis by Product. The business owner, business man-
ager, or sales manager can tell which products are moving
the best, and he can emphasize sales of that particular
product and increase production in that area; he can also
tell if sales of a particular product have dropped off.

The next section of the sales analysis system is the
Sales Analysis by Customer. This allows the sales man-
ager to determine which customers are buying the most.
The sales manager can then create a sales plan to ap-
proach that kind of customer with additional products in
order to increase sales.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Accounts payable is Just a list of the people to whom
you owe money, and it tells you how much you owe each
person.

One feature of our Accounts Payable System is ven-
dor file maintenance. Maintenance is the act of keeping
up to date. A file is a collection of data records like a card
file. A vendor is a person from whom you buy products.
You can maintain the data about vendors through this
section of the Business Management System. A record
is a set of data about a particular item. You might keep a
record on a 3x5 card. The system allows you to add
records to the vendor file, delete records, change
records, list vendor records on your terminal or list ven-
dor records on the system printer.

The major report of the accounts payable system is
the Aged Payables Report. This is just a list of the bills
that you owe by age with the oldest bills listed first on
the report.

Another report is the Accounts Payable by Vendor
Report. This just lists how much you owe to each vendor.

Another section of the Accounts Payable System
allows you to select which bills to pay at this time. The
dollar value of these bills Is subtracted from the cash on
hand, and the fact that you have paid those bills is
entered into the Accounts Payable System.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts Receivable is a list of who owes money to
your company. It operates very similarly to the Accounts
Payable. The first feature of the Accounts Receivable
system is the Customer File Maintenance. This allows
you to add customer records, delete customer records
from your list, change data in the customer file, print out
the customer records on the user terminal and print cus-
tomer records on the system printer.

Another feature of the Accounts Receivable System
is invoicing. Whenever an order is placed by the Order
Entry System, the data is prepared so that invoices can
be made and sent to the customer. These Invoices are
printed on standard 8 V 2 " x 11" paper, and the custom-
er’s name and address is inserted on the invoice at a
position where it will appear in a window envelope. Your
company name and address will appear on the Invoice;
the computer will print this for you.

The AM-100 Business Management System Accounts
Receivable Section also will print statements for you.
Once a month or as often as you choose, the system will

94 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

BUSINESS SECTION

accumulate records of all unpaid bills owed to you and
send out statements to each individual customer.

GENERAL LEDGER

A ledger is a book where you keep records of various
ways that your business took in money, spent money,
and it also lists various things that your business owns
and the various places where your business owes
money. There is a separate page for each type of ex-
pense or each type of income and so forth. A general
ledger is a book of this type.

The General Ledger System allows you to tell the com-
puter where you received money or where you spent money
and how much; it also allows you to tell the computer
how much dollar value there Is on each thing that you
own, such as your office furniture or your office building.
You can also tell the computer how much money you
owe on various things, such as the mortgage on your
building. All this is the data input to the General Ledger.

The General Ledger System consists of numerous re-
ports. One such report is simply a concise printout of
the data that you entered into the computer.

Another report is a listing of each of the various areas
or categories that you used to define the assets of your
business, your income, expenses and so forth, and it
lists how many dollars you have allocated in total to
each of those areas. Another report is the Profit and
Loss statement sometimes referred to as an Income
Statement. This just shows you how much money you
have made over a specified time period, such as the
month or the year.

This information enables the
business owner and the employees
to act in a co-ordinated fashion. . .
and do co-ordinated planning. . .

The General Ledger makes a report called the Capital
Statement. Capital is the net worth of the owner of the
business or the net worth that the stockholders have in
the corporation. A Capital Statement shows the in-
crease in net worth over a given time period.

Another major report of the system is called the Bal-
ance Sheet. The balance sheet shows all of the assets
of the business according to category; it lists all of the
liabilities or money owed by the business; and it lists
the capital of the business all according to the funda-
mental accounting equation: assets equals liabilities
plus capital. So the balance sheet details each of those
categories where the assets are, where the liabilities are
and where the capital is.

CONCLUSION

This is just a very brief overview of what a computer sys-
tem such as AM-100 Business Management System does.
Basically, the business owner and his employees feed
data into the computer and get out information. This in-
formation enables the business owner and the employees
to act in a co-ordinated fashion.

No computer system is going to do the thinking for
the business manager or his employees. The computer
will give information to the manager, and the manager
with his judgement and perception of the environment
will use this information to make the correct decisions.D

GLOSSARY

Account

A category (type) ot Income, ex-
pense, asset, liability, capital, etc.;
a record of activity In such a
category.

Accounting

The process of recording, cate-
gorizing and summarizing data in-
to a useful form. Although it is
usually concerned with finance,
the same concepts apply to other
areas.

Accounts Payable

A list of the people who are after
your money.

Accounts Receivable

A list of the people who owe you
money.

Analysis

The act of breaking an area into
smaller parts and learning more
about the area by studying the
parts.

Computer

A device that reads in data, stores
it, rearranges, makes computa-
tions and tells you the results.

CRT

The TV type screen with the key-
board. (Abbreviation for cathode
ray tube — an electronics term.)

Data

Records of details of events that
have taken place.

Environment

Surroundings including custom-
ers, prospects, competitors, the
neighborhood, and the prevailing
laws.

General Ledger

A ledger used for accounts of a
general nature. There can be
"non-general" ledgers such as an
accounts payable ledger.

Information

Data that has been aligned, cate-
gorized and/or summarized.

Inventory

Items in stock that are to be sold.

Inventory Control

The process of keeping track of
the purchases, storage and sales
of inventory and using that infor-
mation to optimize purchasing
schedules and quantities.

Journal

A place where you record trans-
actions. In manual accounting
systems, a journal Is a book.

Ledger

A recording of accounts with rec-
ords of each account kept in a
separate area. Usually a ledger is
In the form of a book. Each page
contains Information on a partic-
ular account.

Menu

A list of choices such as in a
restaurant. The menu appears on
the computer screen.

Order

A request from a customer to pur-
chase your products.

Order Entry

The act of informing the com-
puter that you just made a sale. It
Includes details of the sale.

Product

That which Is brought Into exist-
ence by your company and can be
exchanged with the public for
money or other means of survival.

Sale

The act of causing someone to
buy your products and receiving a
monetary exchange.

Sales Analysis

The process of studying sales
when categorized into areas such
as territory, type of product, type
of customer, or salesman.

System

A set of machines, people and/or
policies arranged to produce a
desired product.

Transaction

An Interchange such as a sale or
a purchase.

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 95

BUSINESS SECTION

The Automated Attorney

By Mathew Tekulsky

Tom Lambert’s Century City, California law office,
which specializes in aircraft accident suits, has no full-
time secretary. Instead, there's a microcomputer sitting
in the corner. With this computer Lambert feels his of-
fice is "on the leading edge of the frontier in this par-
ticular use of office equipment. Computers are getting
into a price range that relatively small law offices can af-
ford, and the capabilities of the machines, if used effi-
ciently, make the law practice of a much higher quality.”

This means a lot more than just typing letters, as the
computer has captured the central role in Lambert’s
three-man law office. One function of the microcom-
puter is the analysis of pertinent data in pending cases.
For example, there is a family of three or four programs
that are designed to calculate "the dynamic rollover”
phenomenon of helicopters and to make a general quan-
titative evaluation of a sudden loss of tail rotor thrust.

“The program is basically an inquiry into the ground
handling stability of any helicopter on any particular type
of terrain," Lambert explains. "When we put in the speci-
fic data for a particular helicopter, it told us in effect that
we had neither a dynamic rollover nor a ground pitching
instability condition operative to cause the helicopter
accident that we were working on. We use it as an explor-
atory tool and itRs somewhat unique to our office."

But then, it’s office is somewhat unique. All three
lawyers are professional pilots, and two out of three are
mechanical engineers by trade. Consequently, they do
the bulk of their research in-house. Once they under-
stand a problem, they go to outside experts for confir-
mation, review and preparation of expert testimony for
the trial.

Another family of programs which Lambert developed
involves building a mathematical model of applied loads
for the "tail feathers" of a helicopter which had been in-
volved in an accident, and then relating that to the ac-
tual loads of the components that broke.

Lambert explains how it works: “We calculated each
of the failure modes of the component, and then another
program compared the applied load to the resulting fail-
ure mode. As soon as a resulting failure mode occurred,
it would plot a data point. This gave us a whole family of
curves that told us which part of the system would fail
first and what type of a failure it would be. Then we took
the strength of the component and deteriorated it from
100% all the way down to 33%. "

The 33% is significant because that is the FAA re-
quired margin of safety. For tactical reasons, Lambert
did not use this information as hard evidence during a
recent trial. However, it was very useful in the prepara-
tion of litigation.

His third family of programs is a damage evaluation
analysis. "I’ve never really been totally satisfied with the
accuracy of how actuaries prepare projected economic
loss for wrongful death cases,” Lambert says. "This
family of programs is designed to assess the economic
loss of the plaintiffs in wrongful death and personal in-
jury lawsuits. It will also assess the value of the ’loss of
companionship’ in a wrongful death case and the ‘pain
and suffering’ concept in a personal injury case.”

The program itself contains certain variables such as
the victim's vital statistics: age, the probability of sur-
vival to a particular age, and dates of birth and death.
Then the computer estimates the individual’s future rate

of earnings and rate of return on invested capital, takes
a per capita basis of reduction for personal consump-
tion, and whatever is left over belongs to the survivors.

The program calculates the loss of companionship in
a wrongful death situation on a per diem basis, i.e. how
much per day. It does the same thing with the pain and
suffering concept in a personal injury case which, accord-
ing to Lambert, can always be related rationally to some
value of dollars over a projected period of time, usually
starting high nearer to the injury and stabilizing over the
individual’s projected life span.

"The big advantage of using the computer for this
type of evaluation is that you can do quantum jumps,”
says Lambert. “With this method, you look at each year
in the individual's projected life span individually as op-
posed to taking an average over a life span. The result
you’re trying to find is the basic economic loss that is
solidly, economically and factuallyjustified.”

Due to the diversified nature of aircraft accidents,
which often involve international parties that must be
treated on an individual basis, this program is extremely
useful to Lambert.

"The variables that go into this are enormous, so we
take the generalized case and apply it to specific situa-
tions,” he says. “And something in a generalized format
like this is particularly important when you get into
situations in which you have a wide range of rate of
return of invested capital. For instance, with people who
are earning and investing their money outside of the
United States, we have to look at the conditions that are
applicable to them in order to determine how their
families have been deprived by the loss.

"The difficult conceptual task here is to be able to
foresee what the variables are in a generalized case for
your programming, and then write a program that doesn’t
use up all your memory by taking into consideration vari-
ables that aren’t needed. You want it to be as concise
and crisp as possible, and you want to have it in a simpli-
fied format so you can use it and explain it to people
who don’t understand these concepts generally anyway."

This is the jury in many cases, although the informa-
tion is useful from both the plaintiff’s and the defense’s
point of view. For his output, Lambert employs a tabular
format and a curve plot, the latter of which offers a
graphic view of the validity of the data.

How does this work in court?

"Once you have the family of curves, you can have
your economist come on and testify that the rate of in-
terest in the future will most likely be a certain percent,
allowing a little leeway on the low side and on the high
side,” he explains. “Then he could evaluate with some
factual backup what the projected rate of application of
earnings would be. At the point where these two para-
meters cross on the curve plot, you have defined a range
of hard data as to what the projected economic loss to
that individual is on the most rational and logical basis.”

Another program that Lambert has just started writing
is an attorney time-keeping system with features that
permit adaptation to existing accounting systems and
the Immediate retention and recall of all information
that’s within a client’s file. This would include how
much time has been spent on certain cases, the aging of
a client’s account, and information pertaining to the
preparation of periodic client billings.

96 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

BUSINESS SECTION

As a result, billing will be easier and will show a con-
tinuous account of what has transpired in each case.
This is cumbersome to do by hand and would otherwise
have to be turned over to a bookkeeper.

In the area of word processing, Lambert has found
many applications for his computer. “One of its very
great features is the outlining capability,” he says. "It’s
really good to sit down and organize your thoughts in
outline form, hit the research, bring the results back and
dictate the body of the brief for the secretary to type up.”

The computer’s text editing capability allows “Points
and Authorities” (the legal terminology for “mini briefs”
submitted to the court) to be stored on disks, edited and
made applicable to the problem at hand. Lambert puts
everything onto a disk initially, and after it’s reviewed
and edited, he decides whether it’s worth saving. The
computer can also save case captions (names of plain-
tiffs vs. names of defendants) which the secretary only
has to type out once.

Lambert explains how all of this facilitates the writing
of a legal brief: “With each new pleading, we just load in
the caption and the rest of the pleading from some other
file in pieces and in a certain order from the disk into
computer memory. Then when we’re all through, we can
add something special or unique to it, edit it, and when
we've got everything we want, we just put in a signature
line and a date. That completes the document and we
can save that in a case file by putting it into the disk
under its own file name. Then we print out the hard
copy, reproduce it and serve it. It’s a much quicker way
to perform the very tedious tasks that are normally re-
quired in this type of practice.

“The big advantage here is that if you have some
small error in the middle of the text, you don’t have to
rewrite 15 pages. You just go back in, clean up the mis-
take, get back out of the edit mode and run out a new
hard copy. It only takes about 10 minutes.”

THE SYSTEM

Lambert’s system consists of a COMPAL 80 computer
with 32K memory, a Multiterm printer, a 17” Sanyo tele-
vision screen, a single disk Micropolis and a cassette
tape recorder. The total cost is about $8,300, which in-
cludes some supplies like print wheels and ribbons as
well as two software programs: Micropolis BASIC and
the WORDPAL word processor.

The Multiterm printer, he says, is comparable in price
and quality to the Xerox Diablo, except that the former
comes equipped with a forms tractor that would ordinarily
cost an extra $300. It also has a better graphics capability,
but otherwise, “there’s not a great deal of difference.”

The reason he has both a cassette and a disk is two-
fold: first, he uses the cassette for a backup and second,
much canned software available today comes in cas-
sette form, particularly in the numerical area.

As far as software is concerned, Lambert has written
over a dozen programs. In addition, he uses the WORDPAL
to build text files which are saved and recalled in a variety
of combinations. Owing to the somewhat unique nature of
his practice, the computer’s ability to handle both numeri-
cal analyses and text editing is its strongest attribute.

Lambert did not take any programming courses. He
just studied the manuals, sat down and started writing.
"I used to use basic programming when I was in the
aerospace field,” he states, “but there is still somewhat
of a learning curve.

“If one is going to do the programming oneself,
there’s only one way to do it — roll up your sleeves,
spend some time with the manual, spend some time
writing programs and do it. Until you learn, you’re going
to use a lot of time that you may not have, and once you

get there, it’s like flying an airplane — you have to stay
current and proficient by updating, expanding and writ-
ing a new program every month or so."

The alternative to this, he says, is to go to a local uni-
versity or computer club or go to your local computer
store, hire a computer consultant, work out what the ob-
jective of the program is and have the consultant sit
down and write it. This may or may not cost a great deal,
depending upon the scope of the program objectives.

In terms of quantifying the value of his own programs,
Lambert "wouldn’t even know where to start."

"It’s such a unique application, there may be no market-
place for it,” he says, “and yet when you find a market-
place, your opposition may be willing to pay ten times the
legitimate price for it to eliminate the surprise element.”

Lambert has had his computer for about four months
and although he is not taking advantage of every feature
the machine has to offer, the computer was an improve-
ment over his existing method within a week after the
system was purchased.

“The WORDPAL part of the system is far and away the
easiest to learn, and it’s the quickest,” he says. "The
text editing can be learned by any competent secretary
in no more than a week’s time."

THE REAL WORLD

Lambert offers some advice on how to obtain maxi-
mum efficiency with one’s computer. “With the WORD-
PAL, the first order of business is to work out in advance
a system of allocating your disks,” he says. “It’s very
easy to save everything and fill up your disks, but if you
have to go back and search each of the directories on 20
disks, you haven’t really accomplished anything.

The disks are sufficiently inexpensive that if you’re
going to err, err on the side of having a few empty spots
to fill up. We have assigned one disk for internal office
use, another for numerical programs, which I’m expand-
ing rapidly now into one disk for every major numerical
family of programs, one for each major case and one for
miscellaneous cases.”

The next step, he believes, is to establish in advance a
system of naming files, which only have 10 characters.
Lambert’s method, adapted from law library citations,
uses two numbers followed by a dash, then three letters
followed by a dash, and finally three more numbers or
letters. For example, 32-CAP-1 identifies the first "cap-
tion” of case number 32. Each case has its own case
number forthe file name identification.

The greatest asset of the computer, according to
Lambert, is “saving time."

"It's hard to say just how much we have saved, but it
certainly has been substantial,” he says. “We’re now us-
ing just one high quality (and expensive) regular part-
time secretary and a couple of others on an overload,
part-time basis.”

In addition, the computer adds to the quality of Lam-
bert’s law practice with its ability to produce perfect
copies, and it helps him better understand the pheno-
mena at play in particular accidents.

"Since much of our work involves reconstructing and
understanding the reconstruction of aircraft flying
machine accidents, including airplanes, helicopters and
even hang gliders,” he says, “if it does nothing more
than help me to better understand the evidence so I can
present it better, then it’s done its job.”

Indeed, Lambert’s research into the ground stability
phenomenon in helicopter accidents and other situa-
tions may represent a significant contribution to the
aerospace community which can be attributed directly
to his computer. □

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 97

Hard Copy: Why Not the Best?

Go Daisywheel!

By John MacDougall

If you are thinking of word processing either for letter
writing, for legal manuscripts or just for getting publish-
able assembly listings, you are also thinking about
some kind of quality printer. One of the highest quality
printers on the market today is the daisywheel printer
made by Diablo and Qume. This printer mechanism has
the advantages of speed (30 cps), variety of print fonts,
variable line and character spacing, and finally, a mech-
anism which is extremely simple and very compatible
with electronic interfaces.

Recently, these mechanisms have begun to appear on
the surplus market at prices which are attractive to the
serious hobbyist. There is very little published informa-
tion about these printers although there seems to be a
strong interest in their use. Over the last year and a half I
have built a succession of daisywheel interfaces for my
own use. This article describes the latest of these. The
interface described here is the simplest driver reason-
ably possible for a word processing application. It has
been in use for several months now and is eminently
suitable as a "starter" system.

DESCRIPTION OFTHE PRINTER MECHANISM

The description which follows applies directly to the
Diablo “HYTYPE I” daisywheel printer mechanism. This
is the one I have and appears to be the only type on the
surplus market. Recently, Diablo and Qume have both
introduced microprocessor controlled printers of the
same general mechanical characteristics. Interfacing
with these is quite another story.

The HYTYPE I has a few moving parts. The first of
these is the platen. This can be either a friction feed or
sprocket feed device and can be controlled in ’/« of an
inch increments either up or down. The platen is driven
by a gear coupled stepping motor.

The second moving part in the HYTYPE I is the car-
riage. The carriage is driven by a large servo motor
which pulls it equally well in either direction with a loop
of cable. The servo is a sophisticated analog/digital
hybrid, and the carriage can be zipped the full width of
the platen in less than 400 milliseconds. One of the ad-
vantages of this system is apparent in “tabbing” opera-
tions where the carriage literally jumps from position to
position without the slow jogging of the usual stepping
system. In these conditions the HYTYPE I can be faster
than its rated 30 characters per second.

The third moving part in the HYTYPE I is the print-
wheel. This is driven directly by another small servo
motor and is the only one of the moving parts which has
positional memory. The printwheel mounts directly on
the servo motor shaft and can be easily and quickly inter-
changed upon tilting the carriage mechanism back.

There are two other moving parts in the mechanism
both on the carriage. The first is the hammer which strikes

“'HYTYPE I" is a registered trademark of Diablo Systems Inc.
Hayward, California.

the print wheel “petal" to make the type impression, and
the second is the small stepping motor which pulls the
inked ribbon.

The servo systems which drive the carriage and print-
wheel in the HYTYPE I are very sophisticated electronic-
ally. In addition, the system is interlocked electronically
so that, for instance, the carriage cannot move while the
hammer is striking the printwheel. A number of other
functions are carried in the electronics, as we will see
later, but the net result of all this is about a square yard
of circuit board spread along the bottom of the machine
and up the back. The boards are stuffed, for the most
part, with standard TTL integrated circuits, with a few
operational amplifiers and FET switches thrown in. The
data input lines are loaded with 250 ohm pullup resis-
tors and protected by diodes to + 5 volts and ground.

. . .the eleven bit machine is simpler,
and modification of the hardware
and software. . .for the eleven bit
machine is an easy reduction
^frorrnh^llustrat^

The servo drives for the carriage and printwheel derive
their high slewing rate from high current, high voltage
power supplies. In the new HYTYPE ll’s the power sup-
ply is a switcher and easily fits within the frame of the
printer. In the older machines on the surplus market, the
power supply is a large conventional brute which weighs
about 40 pounds and is hard to hide. Fortunately, the
power supply has also appeared on the market at a rea-
sonable price, or you would be faced with constructing a
unit with ± 15 volts at 9 amperes and 5 volts at 5
amperes capability. It’s worth buying since it also has
crowbar short circuit protection and is interlocked to
take all of the supplies down if one fails or is shorted.

HYTYPE I mechanisms are available on the surplus
market integrated with a keyboard at about twice the
price of the parts alone. If you are not willing to go to
some trouble in constructing interfaces and software
drivers, you had better stop reading and get one of the
complete units. Just to emphasize a point, the extreme
versatility of the HYTYPE I has the penalty that the
driver software must do everything. For instance, the
carriage movement is incrementally controlled, and it is
up to the controller to remember the carriage position
so that the correct data can be applied for the carriage
return. Otherwise the carriage will probably crash quite
happily, and at high speed, into the end stops.

The basic unit, unlike mechanically driven terminals,
is entirely separate from the keyboard and only associ-
ated with it through the interface electronics. You thus
have the option of making a complete unit or of using
the HYTYPE I as a printer only (as I now do). Optionally,

98 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

if you want to make a complete terminal, you can use
any reasonable keyboard of your own choosing. Although
I don't use it, the interface described in this article has
the provision fora keyboard input.

The data connections for the printer are shown in
Table I. The data input is carried on eleven or twelve lines
depending on which machine you bought. By far, the
most common data bus is eleven bits wide. My machine
happens to be one of the rare twelve bit machines. For
interface the eleven bit machine is simpler, and modifi-
cation of the hardware and software in this article for the
eleven bit machine is an easy reduction from the illus-
trated material. The table shows my understanding of the
meanings of the various data lines for the two types of
data busses. If this doesn't seem to fit what you have, then
you will have to contact Diablo with specific details of cir-
cuit board number and revision for further information.

Table I. Data Connections for HYTYPE I™ Printers

Connector Pin

Signal

Machine Character Print Data

Designation

(All signals
active low)

11 Bit Bus

12 Bit Bus

a. Input to Printer
h

DATA 1

0

0

i

DATA 2

1

1

m

DATA 4

2

2

t

DATA 8

3

3 Character Code

k

DATA 16

4

4

1

DATA 32

5

5

9

DATA 64

6

6

d

DATA 128

X

R

b

DATA 256

X

R Ribbon Adv. Code

V

DATA 512

X

R

F

DATA 1024

X

H Hammer Pres. Code

L

DATA 2048

not used

H

C

Platen Strobe

K

Carriage Strobe

P

Print Strobe

M

Ribbon Lift

E

Restore

S

Select Printer

H

Select Ready Lines

b. Output from
Printer.

a

Printer Ready

B

Check

R

Paper Out (only works if switch is added)

c

Platen Ready

w

Carriage Ready

Y

Print Ready

Z.n

Not to be used

Note: "X" means

‘don't care"

Data for the carriage movement and the platen are ap-
plied in a similar manner. The highest order bit deter-
mines the direction of movement, and the lower bits
determine the amount of travel. Notice that this is not a
two’s complement or other similar mathematical num-
ber. It is very simply a positive number giving the dis-
tance of travel and a bit which determines the direction
of travel. A “one” in the high order bit means carriage
movement from right to left or a platen movement in the
reverse direction to a normal feed line. The distance of
travel indicated by the lower bits is a multiple of frac-
tions of an inch.

In the twelve bit machines the fundamental increment
is '/no of an inch horizontally and '/«• of an inch vertically
(platen). In the eleven bit machines the fundamental in-

crements are %o of an inch for the carriage and ’/<« of an
inch for the platen. All of the illustrations and examples
in this article are for the twelve bit machines. For in-
stance, if you wish to move the carriage the correct in-
crement for 12 characters per inch, the calculation is
done as follows:

Number of fundamental Increments

Number of basic increments per inch
Desired characters per inch

Thus, for 12 characters per inch in a twelve bit system
Data = 120/12 = lOdecimal = A hexadecimal =

= 0000 0000 1010 binary

This is exactly the data which would be put on the data
bus. If the movement were for a backspace, the reverse
bit would be set, and the data would appear as 1000 0000
1010. Similar reasoning applies forthe platen movement.

The character data is different. In this case the code for
the actual character is put on the data bus, and the printer
has the necessary internal electronics to determine the
print wheel movement needed to find the correct charac-
ter. In the twelve bit machines the upper data bits also de-
termine the amount of hammer pressure and the amount
of ribbon advance. I have incorporated this in my soft-
ware. The upper bits of the character data have no mean-
ing in the eleven bit machines and can be ignored.

Notice that in all of this discussion, the same data
bus is used no matter what the function. The function
that the data performs is determined by the strobes.
There are three strobe lines, and only one strobe line
can be strobed at a time. However, the machine will
remember, and it is possible to strobe a carriage move-
ment, for instance, while a print is taking place.

Before a function can be strobed, however, the asso-
ciated ‘ready’ line must be checked. There are four ready
lines; three for each of the main functions (platen, car-
riage, printwheel), and the fourth shows if any of the
other three are not ready. As soon as a ready line is
down, the function can be strobed even if another func-
tion is already taking place. The strobe must be at least
two microseconds long which is ideal for a micro sys-
tem since that is about the shortest pulse it is possible
to get out of an output port. The data must be present on
the data lines before the strobe is applied and held until
after the strobe is removed. There are three strobes, one
for each function.

In addition to the data lines, the strobe lines and the
ready lines, there are lines for selecting the printer and
selecting the ready lines. There is also a line for paper
out condition (this requires some kind of paper out
switch to be effective) and a check line. The check line
is used as a fault indicator to show that some false con-
dition has been activated. The only signal which will be
accepted by the printer after a check signal is the ‘re-
store’ command.

The restore command is used to reinitiate the printer
mechanism after some kind of fault. The most common
fault the beginner will encounter is a crash of the car-
riage into the end stops. I have brought the fault line out
to a pushbutton on the front of the printer. When power
is first applied to the printer, the electronics automati-
cally initiate a restore sequence. A restore sequence
moves the carriage to the extreme left edge and then
back about Vz inch to the right of the left end stop and
then sets the printwheel in an initialized condition so
that the electronics know where the print wheel is.
Sensing of the printwheel ‘park’ position is done by a
special magnetic pickup and a small metal slug on the
position transducer.

There are two position transducers: one on the back
of the carriage servo motor and one on the back of the

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 99

printwheel servo motor. These are closely coupled high
frequency sensors. Adjustment of the position trans-
ducers calls for specialized knowledge and equipment.

One final input is the 'ribbon lift’. In the original ver-
sion of the HYTYPE I this was intended for use with two-
color ribbons. However, the way the ribbon is mounted
in front of the printwheel, it is impossible to see the
most recently typed data. In my system I use the ribbon
lift command to position the ribbon in front of the type
wheel just before a print is to occur. After a spell of typ-
ing, there is a pause before the ribbon drops down to
reveal the text. This pause, which is controlled by a re-
triggerable monostable, prevents the ribbon from con-
tinually popping up and down in a most annoying man-
ner. There is nothing unique about this scheme, and it is
used in several other common terminals and in some of
the recent HYTYPE II terminals. Of course, for this to be
effective you will only be able to use one-color ribbons.

To summarize the data requirements of the HYTYPE I:
there are 11 or 12 data lines, three strobes and a ribbon
lift going to the printer from the computer, and four
ready lines going from the printer to the computer. Thus,
dedicated to the needs of the printer are two full output
ports and one half of an input port. The other lines are
not necessary for computer control and therefore don’t
require data ports. If your system has parallel ports
already available, you don't need a special interface card
and can skip the next section for the time being.

A photograph of the printer is shown in Photo 1. Note
the home-built paper roll holder. The ribbon comes in a
cassette form, and different colors as well as carbon rib-
bons are available. A spare daisywheel can be seen in
front of the printer beside the interface board.

PHOTO 1 Photograph of the HYTYPE I showing the In-
terface Board and a spare Daisywheel in front. Note the
additin fo the rack for holding rolls of paper. The flat
cable for Interconnection to the driver electronics is
shown at the right.

HARDWARE INTERFACE

As I said before, if you have a couple of good drive
capability output ports available, you can skip the hard-
ware discussion altogether. I chose to build an interface
card for a number of reasons, the chief one of which was
that I didn’t have any parallel ports to spare. Besides,
with the use of a wire wrap tool, some sockets and a
Vector S-100 board, it's kind of relaxing and a change
from the daily drag to immerse oneself in mundane wir-
ing problems. Another reason for using the interface
board was that I wanted to incorporate a small separate
dedicated RAM area for later use as buffer storage. As it
turned out, I don’t use this buffer as such but it has sure
come in handy for storing small programs such as mem-
ory test routines when I want to preserve my main mem-
ory completely free.

A final reason for using the dedicated interface was
that I wanted to use a code conversion PROM between
the data input and the printer. This allowed me complete
freedom in the use of keyboard and input data and the
printwheel characters.

A summary of the input data required to drive the
printer was given in Table I along with a summary of the
printer output data. All of the printer input data lines
have 250 ohm pullup resistors, so you must provide
driver devices with good current capability. Open collec-
tor or tri-state devices are equally effective.

The complete circuit diagrams for the interface cards
are shown in Figures 1 and 2. The card is functionally
divided into five areas. These are:

1. Address and Port decoding logic

2. RAM and associated buffers

3. Printer driver hardware and computer output ports

4. Computer input ports and data multiplexing circuitry

5. The ribbon lift circuit

The port selection logic and the RAM address de-
coding logic share some common parts, and both may
be relocated together by means of the DIP switch to any
4K boundary. Location addresses and switch positions
are given in Table II. In my system the RAM resides at
A000, and consequently, the printer output ports AO and
A1 . Note the port assignments on the circuit diagram.

Since my system is getting pretty full, I am now put-
ting buffers on all S-100 bus card inputs. The address in-
put buffers are 74LS367 operated in the non-tristate
mode. The buffers on address inputs A9 and A8 are also
used to drive the lower data bits of the port address
decoding. The RAM devices are 2102, and chip select is

Table II. Eight Position DIP Switch Coding

a. Address Selection: (“0” = “on”)

Switch Number

RAM Starting Address

I/O Port Numbers

4

3

2

1

0

0

0

0

0000

00,01

0

0

0

1

1000

10,11

0

0

1

0

2000

20,21

0

0

1

1

3000

30,31

0

i

0

0

4000

40,41

0

1

0

1

5000

50,51

0

i

1

0

6000

60,61

0

1

1

1

7000

70,71

1

0

0

0

8000

80,81

1

0

0

1

9000

90,91

1

0

1

0

A000

A0.A1

1

0

1

1

B000

B0.B1

1

i

0

0

cooo

CO, Cl

1

i

0

1

D000

DO, D1

1

i

1

0

E000

E0.E1

1

i

1

1

F000

F0.F1

I b. Hammer Intensity Selection:

Switch Number

Relative Pressure

6

s

Intensity

0

0

1

0

i

2

1

0

3

1

i

4

c. Spacing Selection:

Switch Number

Character Spacing

Line Spacing

8

7

Characters/Inch

Lines/Inch

0

0

10

3

0

1

10

6

1

0

12

3

1

1

12

6

100 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 101

022

c$r.

THESE LINES ARE
FOR KEYBOARD INPUT.
WITH AN ASCII
KEYBOARD USE THE
BOTTOM SEVEN FOR
OATA AND THE EIGHTH
FOR “DATA READY"

FROM 2102 RAM DOUTPINS Figure 2. Schematic of the remainder ot the interface
Card showing the I/O ports, the Data Buffers and the
MUX Circuitry.

102 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

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Sunshine Computer Company

20710 South Leapwood Ave. • Carson, California 90746 • (213)327-2118

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 91

INTERFACE AGE 103

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104 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 82

OCTOBER 1978

derived from the high order address bits and the pro-
cessor SINP and SOUT lines. The RAM output data is
multiplexed into the computer input data bus, as will be
described later.

The necessary 16 bits of output required to drive the
printer is generated through two 8212 output port
devices. These have sufficient capability to drive the 250
ohm pullup resistors if necessary. In my system I have a
code conversion PROM in the lower eight bits of the 12
bit data bus. This PROM is enabled by the ribbon lift
signal and held on during the printing of a character. For
all other outputs to the data bus, the PROM is bypassed
by the 74LS367 tri-state buffers, and the lower eight bits
appear on the data bus exactly as sent. If you don’t want
to do any code conversion, this bit of circuitry can be eli-
minated, or you can do any necessary conversion in the
software. Incidentally, this conversion scheme is very
handy for converting what-have-you to ASCII and vice
versa. The 93448 PROM has room for two complete sets
of code.

The computer input must be serviced from three
sources on the card. These are the RAM output, the key-
board output and the status byte.

The keyboard output is combined with the RAM out-
put on the same data lines by means of their respective
tri-state outputs. This common data bus is one set of in-
puts to the 74LS157 multiplexers. The other set of in-
puts comes from two sources. The upper four bits come
from the remaining four switches on the 8-bit address
decoding DIP switch. These four switches are used.to
set the character spacing, the line spacing and the
character impression intensity, as will be described
later. The lower four bits are provided by the four
“ready” lines from the printer. These can thus be inter-
rogated by the software. Selection of the computer data
sources to be put on the S-100 bus is determined by the
address decoding logic.

The final block on the circuit card is the ribbon lift cir-
cuit. This circuit uses a retriggerable one shot multi-
vibrator, the 9601, to provide a pulse which holds the rib-
bon up between the print wheel and the platen for a fixed
period of time. Each time a character is typed, the ribbon
hold period is reinitiated so that during rapid typing of
extended passages, the ribbon never drops. The emitter
follower is used for time extension with the RC combina-
tion shown. If you think the ribbon lift time is unsatisfac-
tory, this can be changed by changing the value of C. I
experimented with several times and found those shown
to be best for me.

All the circuitry shown in the figure is contained easily
on one Vector S-100 circuit card. I used two regulators,
one for the RAM and the PROM and the other for the re-
mainder of the circuitry. Since all of the IC’s shown are
five volt devices, only two 7805 regulators are required.

A photograph of the completed board is given in Photo 2.
Note the space at the top of the board for an additional
IK of RAM and the space in the lower left corner for addi-
tional keyboard or I/O circuitry. A socket is also provided
for a keyboard PROM, if required.

THE SOFTWARE

Now that you have the mechanical aspects of driving
the HYTYPE I well in hand, the next step is the software.
A complete listing of the software which I now use is
given at the end of the article. This listing is for the
simplest driver reasonably possible for the printer. If
you want to do fancy things like changing the spacing
dynamically, a more complicated program is necessary.

I found that for the things which I do at the moment, the
extra complications of the expanded software were not
warranted.

MICRO AGE

WHOLESALE

OEM'S are picking up on the advantages of calling
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Phone orders accepted (7 14) 696-6330

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 76

INTERFACE AGE 105

PHOTO 2 Photograph of the complete Interface Board.
Two ribbon connectors are used to connect the board to
an adapter plug which fits the ribbon cable from the
printer. The keyboard would also enter here, if used.

The flow chart which describes the philosophy of the
program is given in Figure 3. On entering the driver with
something to be done, the first thing the program does
is save all of the system registers, initialize the strobes
and finally look at the setup switches to determine what
character and line spacings are to be used. The switch
status is saved in register B for later use. All input to the
printer driver is assumed to be ASCII, so the parity bit is
stripped before proceeding.

The program is arranged so that the most common
functions are tried first. Obviously the largest usage of
the printer is for typing characters, so the program first
looks for a printable ASCII character. How a character is
printed is described later on. If a printable character is
not found, the program next looks to see if the input was
one of the functions: SPACE, BACKSPACE, CARRIAGE
RETURN, CRLF, LINEFEED, REVERSE LINEFEED, or
SET LEFT MARGIN. If none of these are found, the de-
fault is a simple return without any action. Before re-
turning from the driver, the last thing to be done is to
recover all of the registers which were saved on entry.
For this simple program, the functions are embedded in
the program rather than contained in a lookup table.
Thus, the program jumps from routine to routine looking
for a match.

As an illustration of how the printer is strobed, we will
use the routine'PRNAS which prints an ASCII character.
This routine is flowcharted in Figure 4. In the 12 bit
printer the hammer impression can be controlled by the
software. In my implementation there is a limited cap-
ability to do this as controlled by the DIP switch whose
position was stored in register B on entry. Bits B4 and
B5 control the impression density, but these should be
bits Dll and D12 of the printer data bus, and this would
mean that they should be in bits B2 and B3 of the data
going to port A1. This gets all sorted out by shifting the
data twice to the right and then masking it with OCH to
eliminate the extraneous material.

With the impression bits set, we have hardly started.
The next action is to set the strobes for all the outputs
to "off” before sending the data to port A1 (remember
this port does the strobing as well as set the upper four
data lines). Thus our busy data byte now gets FOH add-
ed in. The upper 3 bits set the strobes to “off” while the
next bit is used to trigger the ribbon lift and also, in my
system, to turn on the PROM tri-state outputs (and turn
off the PROM bypass drivers). The data byte to port A1
now looks like 1111 SSOO where ‘S’ indicates switch im-
pression control data. Now the data (ASCII) byte can be
put on the data lines by sending it through port AO. All of
the setup is now complete, and the actual print can fin-
ally be performed.

The strobing of any function takes place in two steps.
First, the function ready line is sampled to determine if

OCTOBER 1978

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OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 75

INTERFACE AGE 107

108 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

Figure 4. Flowchart for PRNAS —
the Routine for Printing
an ASCII Character.

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Sunshine Computer Company

20710 South LeapwoodAve. • Carson. California 90746 • (213)327-2118

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 92

INTERFACE AGE 109

Buying a computer is serious business. All Our staff can help you evaluate and configure

computer courses, seminars, lectures, etc, stress systems that will solve your immediate problems

one important point; know your needs and know and still allow for future expansion. In our show-
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CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 84

110 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

the function is busy. When the ready line goes low, the
function can be strobed. Referring to the hardware draw-
ings, we see that the ready line for a character print is
bit 0 from port AO. This is checked in a loop until it goes
low, and then the strobe data byte is recovered from
register D where it had been previously saved. The strobe
is set by 'ANDing’ with DE(HEX) so that the data now
looks like 1101 SSOO.This is sent to port A1 to do the ac-
tual strobe. Of course, the strobe pulse must now be
removed, and this is done by replacing the missing bit
by ORing with 20(HEX) and sending the byte to port A1
once again. Finally, the ribbon lift pulse is removed and
the program jumps to the next step in which the carriage
is advanced one space.

The routine which moves the carriage one space is
called SPC1, (see Figure 5), and it contains two other
routines which really do all of the work; SPCVAL deter-
mines the correct increment to move the carriage based
on the switch input data, and CARMOV is a general pro-
gram for moving the carriage an amount determined by
the contents of register DE. As a final example of how
the printer is controlled, we will now examine CARMOV.

Moving the carriage in the routine CARMOV involves
the operation of putting the data on the lines and strob-
ing, as is done with the print operation, and also keeping
track of the absolute position of the carriage. Remem-
ber, in the mechanical description we noted that car-
riage movement is purely incremental and that extrane-
ous means must be provided to keep track of the car-
riage position.

On enter CARMOV (Figure 6) the routine first stores
the contents of register DE. This register has the incre-
ment data for the carriage movement. First the lower
byte is complemented and sent directly to the printer via
port AO, then the operations of masking and setting up
the strobe bits are performed on the high byte. Here, the
lower nibble contains carriage movement information
(lower 3 bits in the case of the 11 bit machines). This is
masked and the strobes-off information is added by OR-
ing with E0. The byte is then sent to port A1 and tempor-
arily saved in register C. The status byte is obtained
from port AO and examined in the loop until bit 1
becomes low. At this time the carriage strobe is in-
serted by ANDing with AF and the byte again sent to A1.
The strobe is then removed as before.

Since the reverse direction is set by a bit in the high-
est data position and not by the type of number, it is
necessary to check the highest data bit to see if the car-
riage movement data should be added or subtracted to
the data contained in the absolute position register.
After testing, the appropriate arithmetic function is per-
formed and the new position data stored before the rou-
tine returns back to the main program.

There is one final piece of software which is needed
for smooth operation of your printer. This is necessary
because on turning on your system, it is possible for the
strobe outputs to come up in any arrangement and for
random data to be present in the carriage position stor-
age location. In my system I have an initialization proce-
dure which the system goes through when coming up
from a cold start. I have added to this a small routine for
setting up the printer parameters. A listing of this rou-
tine is shown in Program 1.

PROGRAM 1

.RADIX 16

.1ITLE ’Monitor Initialization Routine'

;Thia routine is inserted in the Monitor
initialization subroutine for the purpose
;of correctly initializing the data ports

{feeding

; the

; mechanise

0000’ 3E£0

DINIT:

MV I

0002’ D3A1

OUT

0004’ 21 0000

LX1

0007 * 22 A3FC

.END

SHLD

DIABLO HYTxrE I printer

A,0E0 ;DATA FOR SETTING

0A i ; SI ROBES TO OFF

H.0000 ; ZERO THE CARRIAGE

0A3FC ; POSITION STORE

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OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 74

INTERFACE AGE 111

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 83

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4. Income Tax - 1040, Schedules A&B. requires 20K &

35

Applesoft 1

5. Morse Code Trainer - Variable speed 1-100 wpm.uses Apple-

25

volt 1

10

6. Appletalkcr • Gives your APPLE a voice, machine language

7. Speed Reading. Vols. 1-4. four programs designed to improve

15

your reading speed

8. Galactic Battle - Low resolution, real time space battle

9. Apartment Building Investment Analysis - Analyzes the

15

investment potential of an apratment building

15

10. Microproducts Assembler - Apple assembler machine language,
uses 4 K

20

11. Devils Dungeon Exciting adventure game

10

12. Appfeodian - Irish jig composing algorithm

13. Hi-Res Life - Conway's original Game of Life, machine

10

language, requires 24K

14. Appteviston • H*gh resolution graphics and music demo, machine

10

language and BASIC

15. Black lack - One or two players in low-res graphics,

15

machine language and BASIC
16. Apple Checkbook • Complete checkbook balancing

10

and reconciliation program

20

Software is available on disk for a media charge of $5.00

Send Check or Money Order, sorry no C.O.D., to:

RAINBOW COMPUTING

10723 White Oak Ave., Dept. 1 A
Granada Hills, CA 91344
(213) 360-2171

California Residents add 6% sales tax
Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery

INC.

Sometimes, because of a blown program, it is neces-
sary to restart the system. This would normally be done
without turning the printer off, and since the restart rou-
tine zeros the carriage absolute position count, you
could be left with a printer sitting half way across the
page and the system thinking this was the left margin.
The way out of this is to use the "restore” line. On my
printer I bring this out to a push button on the front of
the printer. This works well for me. However, you might
like to have the restore button on the keyboard as I had
in an earlier configuration.

Now you’re on your own. I certainly hope that you will
gain as much use from your printer as I have from mine.
It’s a super mechanism and deserves much more recog-
nition from the hobbyist than it is presently getting. □

Table III.

Special Printer

“Control” Functions

Control Character

HEX Code

Function

h

08

Backspace

t

14

Reset the left margin

q

11

CR + LF

i

OC

Reverse linefeed

Note: These special functions are recognized by the printer driver soft-
ware — not by the printer itself. It is the driver software which tells the
printer how to perform these functions.

PROGRAM 2

.TITLE 'DAISYWHEEL PRINTER CONTROL ROUTINE '

.RADIX 1b

{This program la written for 2-00 driven control
;of a Diablo HYTYPE 1 (TM) printer oecnaniaa vnioh
;Has a 12 bit data input bua.

;The program uaes a temporary storage RAM
;looated between A3f0 and A3FF. The program is
{also configured for use with an interface PROM for
;the print data. The data ports used are —

; Input AOssetup sense switches and printer readies
; A ^reserved for keyboard Input (not used)

{Output AOsPrinter and platen low data byte
; AisFrinter and platen low data byte

0000' *5

DIABLO

PUSH

PSW

SAVE THE HEG1STERS

0001' C5

PUSh

b

0002' 05

PUSh

D

0003* E5

PUSH

H

0004 ' 3EE0

MV1

A.0E0

INITIALIZE THE STROBES

0006* D3M

OUT

0A1

000o' DBA0

IN

0A0

ChECK THE SETUP SWITCHES

O00A' 47

MOV

b, A

AND SAVE IN '&'

The input data

byte is in register C.

It is

assured

ASCII

000B' 79

MOV

A,C

000C' E67F

AN1

It

STRIP PARITY

OOOfc* 4f

HGV

C.A

OOOF* FE21

CHAR:

CPI

21

PRINT BET 21H AND 7 EH

0011' 3<J2b

JRC

SPACE

0013' FE7F

CPI

7F

0015' 2622

JRZ

SPACE

The subroutine

for printing an ASCII character

0017' 70

> RNAS:

MOV

A,B

GET THE SWITCH DATA

0010' Of

HRC

SHIFT TO

0019’ OF

RRC

CORRECT POSITION

001 A' E60C

AN1

OC

MASK IT

001C' FbFO

0R1

0F0

RIBBON LIFT APROh ENABLE

001E' D3A1

OUT

0A1

STRObES STILL OFF

0020' 57

MOV

D,A

HOLD THE PRESS. DATA

0021’ 79

MOV

A,C

0022' D3A0

OUT

0A0

ASCII BYTE TO PROM

0024* OBAO

PftNI:

IN

0A0

ChECK STATUS

0026' CB47

blT

0,A

OF THE PRINT WHEEL

0020' 20FA

JRNZ

PHNi

002A' 7A

H0V

A,D

STROBb THE

002B' E6DE

ANl

ODE

002D' D3A1

OU1

0A1

PRINT WhEEL ON

002F' f 620

OR!

20

AND Of F

0031’ D3A1

OUT

0A1

0033’ 3LE0

MV1

A,0t0

REfiOVt THE RIBBON LIFT

0035* D3A1

OUT

0A1

112 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 90

OCTOBER 1978

COMPUTER INTERFACES & PERIPHERALS

For free catalog including parts lists and schematics, send a self-addressed stamped envelope.

APPLE II SERIAL I/O
INTERFACE * m i

TV. TYPEWRITER

8K STATIC
RAM

Pari no. 106

• Stand alone TVT

• 32 char/ line. 16
lines, modifications
lor 64 char/ line in-

Parallel

Baud rate is continuously adiustable .njwKfS
from 0 to 30,000 • Plugs into any penph- , J'jS
eral connector • Low current dram. RS-
232 input and output • On board switch fj|j|
selectable 5 to 8 data bits. 1 or 2 stop |1IH-
bits, and parity or no parity either odd or ||jH
even • Jumper selectable address • 'W'jjj
SOFTWARE • Input and Output routine
from monitor or BASIC to teletype or other serial printer
• Program tor using an Apple II (or a video or an intelli-
gent terminal Also can output in correspondence code
to interlace with some selectncs Board only — $15.00;
with parts — $42.00: assembled and tested — $62 00.

Part no 300

• 8K Altair bus memory •

Uses 2102 Static memory chips • Mem-
ory protect • Gold contacts • Wait states • On
board regulator • S-100 bus compatible • Vector
input option • TRI state buffered • Board only
$22.50; with parts $160.00

eluded
ASCII (TTL) input • I

1 ■ • i ijni ..~t ■■

ter controlled cur-
ser • Auto scroll •

Non-destructive curser • Curser inputs: up. down. left,
right, home. EOL, EOS • Scroll up, down • Requires +5
volts at 1 5 amps, and -12 volts at 30 mA • All 7400. TTL
chips • Char. gen. 2513 • Upper case only • Board only
$39 00; with parts $145.00

RF MODULATOR

MODEM

Part no. 107

lated RF, Channels 2 or 3. So

powerful almost no tuning is re-

quired. On board regulated

power supply makes this ex-

tremely stable. Rated very

highly in Doctor Dobbs' Journal. Recommended

by Apple. • Power required is 12 volts AC C.T., or

+5 volts DC • Board $7.60; with parts $13.50

Part no. 109

• Type 103 • Full or halt M

duplex • Works up to 300

baud • Originate or Ans-

wer • No coils, only low 3m .

cost components • TTL ’• YMljnJter'

input and output-serial • \

Connect 8 ohm speaker
and crystal mic. directly to board • Uses XR FSK
demodulator • Requires +5 volts • Board $7.60;
with parts $27,50

RS 232/TTY
INTERFACE

DC POWER SUPPLY

Part no. 112

• Tape Interface Direct Memory Access • Record
and play programs without bootstrap loader (no
prom) has FSK encoder/decoder for direct con-
nections to low cost recorder at 1200 baud rate,
and direct connections for inputs and outputs to a
digital recorder at any baud rate. • S-100 bus com-
patible • Board only $35.00; with parts $110.00

Pari no. 6085

• Board supplies a regulated +5 volts
at 3 amps., +12. -12, and -5 volts at
1 amp. • Power required is 8 volts AC
at 3 amps., and 24 volts AC C.T. at 1 .5
amps. • Board only $12.50; with
parts excluding transformers $42.50

Pari no. 600

• Converts RS-232 to 20mA
current loop, and 20mA current
loop to RS-232 • Two separate
circuits • Requires +12 and -12
volts • Board only $4.50, with
parts $7.00

UART & BAUD RATE
GENERATOR*

TAPE INTERFACE

RS 232/TTL
INTERFACE

Part no. Ill v

• Play and record Kansas
City Standard tapes •

Converts a low cost tape

recorder to a digital re-

corder • Works up to 1200 Bp

baud • Digital in and out

are TTL-serial • Output of

board connects to mic. in / V

of recorder • Earphone of l W

recorder connects to input on board • No coils •

Requires +5 volts, low power drain • Board $7.60;

with parts $27.50

• Converts senai to parallel j|

and parallel to serial • Low *

cost on board baud rate L

generator ‘Baud rales 110. r

2400 • Low power dram *5 nlllmlYff ftttlTfTi
volts and -12 volts required ■■^^^■iUlLLLLLLi

• TTL compatible • All characters contain a start bit. 5 to
8 data bits, t or 2 stop bits, and either odd or even parity.

• All connections go to a 44 pm gold plated edge connec-
tor • Board only $12 00; with parts $35.00 with connector
add $3.00

Part no. 232 ' ^

• Converts TTL to RS-232,
and converts RS-232 to
TTL • Two separate circuits

• Requires -1 2 and +1 2 volts

• All connections go to a 10 pin gold plated edge
connector • Board only $4.50, with parts $7.00
with connector add $2 00

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

Mention part number and description For parts kits add "A" to part number In USA. shipping paid tor orders accompanied by check, money order, or
Master Charge. BankAmencard. or VISA number, expiration date and signature Shipping charges added to COD orders California residents add 6 5%
tor tax Outside USA add 10% lor air mail postage.no C O D s. Checks and money orders must be payable in US dollars Parts kits include sockets for all
ICs. components and circuit board. Documentation is included with all products All items are in stock, and will be shipped the day order is received via
first class mail Prices are in US dollars. No open accounts To eliminate tariff in Canada boxes are marked "Computer Parts'" Dealer inquiries invited
24 Hour Order Line: (408) 226-4064 * Circuits designed by John Bell

r —

ij ,

< '-V-

-

■ ,'n —

f- •f : r • =4+

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 113

jVc vem 7>ei 44 Sr 42 4978

DENVER MERCHANDISE MART
451 E 58 th STREET
DENVER, COLORADO

PRESENTED BY THE DENVER AMATEUR COMPUTER SOCIETY
FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF PERSONAL COMPUTING IN THE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION. WE WILL BE FEATURING A
ROUNDUP OF NATIONAL AND REGIONAL MANUFACTURERS,
DISTRIBUTORS AND RETAILERS OF PERSONAL COMPUTERS,
COMPONENTS AND SOFTWARE FOR YOUR VIEWING AND

PURCHASING PLEASURE.
MORRISON, CO 80465

114 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 89

OCTOBER 1978

0037' 1604

JMPR

SPC1

;T0 ADVANCE THt CAHhlAUb

These

routines perform the various carriage

space

backspace and

return functions. ChLF Is

a single command for

both the CR and LF thus

providing a

potential

program savings in externa

programs and

for local operations.

0039’ Fr20

PACE:

CPI

20

{SPACE?

003b* 200C

JRN2

BKSP

•

0030' 1600

PCi:

MV1

0,00

S

005F' CO 009b*

SPVAL:

CALL

CARSP

;G£T ThE PITCh

00*2* 5F

MOV

M

•

00*3' CD 00b9*

CALL

CAKKV

;D0 11

00*6* C3 0095*

JMP

RETN

{DONE

00*9' r£0e

SKSP:

CPI

00

; BACKSPACE?

004b* 200*

JKNZ

CR

•

004D* ibOo

MV1

D.06

;SET REVERSE blT

004F* tfltt

JMPR

SPVAL

0051' FE0D

CPI

0b

;Cfl?

0053’ 2012

JRNZ

CRLF

•

0055* Cu 005b'

CALL

CARTS

;C C A HETliRN

0050* C3 0095'

JMP

RETN

i

005b* 2A JL3FC

:artn :

LhLD

0A3FC

;CET ThE CARR. POSITION

005E’ 7C

MOV

A.H

*

005F* F60b

0R1

06

;SET THE REVERSE BIT

0061 ’ 57

MOV

D.A

*

0062' 50

MOV

E.L

5

0063' CD 00B9*

CALL

CARMV

•

0066' C9

RET

S

0067’ f £1 1

RLE :

CPI

11

{LINEFEED

0069’ 2005

JRKZ

LF

•

006b • CD 005B'

CALL

CARTN

;DO THE RETURN

006E' 1604

JMPR

L1KEF

;The next routines perform the linefeed functions.
;Kote that the Diablo has a reverse LF and that
;the platen does not need to move a line at a tlae.

0070’ FE0A

LF:

CPI

0A

LINEFEED?

0072* 2005

JRNZ

RL1NF

0074* CD 00Ao'

LINEf:

CALL

LINSP

GET THE SPACING

0077’ CD OOF 2’

LINFi:

CALL

PLTMV

MOV ThE PLATEN

007A* C3 0095'

JhP

«ETN

0070’ FEOC

hLIKF :

CPI

oc

REVERSE LINEFEED?

007F' 2009

JRNZ

RSETL

0061' CD 00A6'

CALL

LINSP

0064* 7A

MOV

A, D

0065' F606

ORI

0O

SET ThE REVERSE BIT

0067* 57

MOV

0,A

0066' 16EB

JMPR

LihF i

{Utility to reset the

left margin with control

006A’ Ft 14

RSETL:

CPI

14

RESET LEFT MARGIN?

006C' 2007

JRNZ

RETN

ERROR TRAP HOME

006E' AK

XRA

A

006F* 57

MOV

D.A

0050* 5F

MOV

E.A

0091’ tb53 A3FC

SDED

0A3FC

STORE CARR POSN

{Final

return

to program

0095* El

RETN:

POP

H

RESTORE STATUS

009b' D1

POP

D

0097’ Cl

POP

b

0096’ FI

POP

PSh

0099’ 79

MOV

A,C

009A’ C9

RET

{Routine to

select the carriage spacing fro

;D1p switch position.

009b’ 76

CARSP

MOV

A.B

009C’ E660

AN1

60

009E' FE60

CPI

60

OOAO* 2003

JRNZ TENC1

00A2' 3E0A

HV1

A,0A

12 CHARS PER INCH

OOA4' C9

RET

OOA5* 3EOC

1ENC1

MV I

A ,0C

10 CHARS PER INCH

00A7 ' C9

RET

•

{Routine to

select the platen spacing from

{DIP

switch

position.

00A6' A f

LINSP

XRA

A

00A9' 57

MOV

D.A

OOAA' 7b

MOV

A.B

OOAB' £640

AN1

40

00 AD’ KE«0

CPI

40

OOAF ' 2004

JRNZ L1NS2

00b 1 ' 3E06

HVI

A, 06

SET SINGLE SPACE

00B3' 5F

MOV

£, A

00b4' C9

RET

0065' 3E10

L1NS2

MV1

A, 10

SET DOUBLE SPACE

00B7’ 5F

MOV

E.A

00B6’ C9

RET

Routine for setting the 12 bits of carriage
information on the data lines checking the ready
and strobing the carriage to move.

BVTE

Our experience has proven the
SOL-20 to be among the very
best computers. So we confident-
ly offer this fine system, either
kit or assembled, along with
compatible peripherals and oper-
ating software.

PERIPHERALS

• North Star MICRO-DISK

• Centronics 700 Series Printers

• Micromation Disk System

SOFTWARE

• Powerful Word Processor for
SOL on North Star Disk.

• Inventory Control

• New business packages coming

SHOPS

JIlLII iJ et Sautfi Rrnda

'PvucMty 'peatwie SOL"20

Continuing service and assistance, and a complete line of books and magazines are offered at both
locations, to assure you that your system, purchased from one of the BYTE SHOPS of South Florida,
will keep giving you excellent performance.

2 Locations open 10-6 Monday through Friday, Saturday 10-2
BYTE SHOP OF MIAMI BYTE SHOP OF FORT LAUDERDALE

7825 Bird Road, Miami, FL 33155 1 044 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334

DIAL (305) 264-BYTE DIAL (305) 561-BYTE

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 73

INTERFACE AGE 115

81T5

m

S sissit i xti }ht t 4«*c

B^TES

SERVES YOU WITH:

Digital Group
I MSA I

Industrial Microsystems
Micro Design
North Star
PerSci

Pickles & Trout

Poly Morphic Systems

Selectcrm

Solid State Music

Soroc

Tarbcll

Technical Design Labs
Vector Graphic

BITS N BYTES
College Business Park
679 “D” S. State College Blvd.
Fullerton, Calif. 92631
(714) 879-8386
NEW HOURS!

11 A.M. - 7 P.M. M-F
12-5 P.M. Sat.

Our Representative In San Diego! Jim Farthing
(714) 421-1041

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 69

0OB9’ ED53 A3F0

CARMV:

SPED

0A3F0

; STORE THE POSITION STATUS

00BD' 7B

HOV

A,£

OObt' 2F

CKA

INVERT THE PATA

OOfcr* P3A0

OUT

0A0

O0C1' 7 A

MOV

A.P

OOCi* 2F

CMA

O0C3* E60F

AM

OF

LOS NIBBLE ONLY

00C5* F6E0

OR1

0E0

STROBES OFF

0OC7 ’ D3A1

OUT

0A1

HIGH BYTE TO PIABLO

0OC9* 4F

MOV

C , A

SAVE 11

OOCA' DbAO

CARPI :

IS

0A0

IS THE CARRIAGE REAPY?

OOCC* CBRF

BIT

1 1 A

OOCfc' 20FA

JRNZ

CARPI

OODO* 79

KOV

A ,C

GET THE HIGH BYTE

OODV L6Af

AM

OAF

SET THE STROBE

00D3' D3A 1

OUT

0A1

ANP DO IT

00DV F6«»0

ORI

NO

STROBE

0007’ 03A1

OUT

0A1

OFF

This routine adds the carriage novenent increment
(or subtracts it) to (from) the absolute carriage
address on completion of a carriage movement

0009' EP5b A3F0

LD£P

0A3F0

GET ThE MOVEMENT INCREMENT

0000' CB5A

BIT

3,D

TEST FOR REVERSE

OODF* 200b

JRNZ

SUbTH

00E1 ' 2A A3FC

LHLD

0A3FC

OOEN * 19

PAD

0

00£5* 1007

JMPR

STORE

OOE7 ' E607

SUBTR:

ANI

07

MASK ThE REV bIT

0OE9' 2A A3FC

LHLP

0A3FC

00EC* £052

DSbC

0

00EE* 22 A3FC

STORE:

SHLD

0A3FC

STORE THE CARR. ADDR.

00F1* C9

HET

;here the platen movement is set and strobed.
;For this simple driver no record is kept
;of the platen absolute address.

00F2* 7b

PLTMV :

MOV

A,K

SET THE

00F3' 2F

CMA

00FU* D3A0

OUT

0A0

LON BYTE

OOF 6* 7A

MOV

A,D

MASK AND COMPLEMENT

00F?' 2F

CMA

THE HIGH BYTE

OOFb’ E60F

ANI

OF

00FA* F6E0

ORI

0E0

RESET THE STROBES

OOFC' D3A1

OUT

0A1

AND SEND lh£ HIGH BYTE

OOFE' HF

MOV

C»A

SAVE DURING THE CHECK

00PF' DBA0

PLRDY :

IN

0A0

GET STATUS

010V CB57

BIT

2, A

CHECK IT

0103’ 20FA

JRNZ

PLRDY

ic s&ckcts

Setter Tin lew Prolile
PIN 1 UP PIN HIP

8 15 24 35

14 .18 28 42

16 20 36 56

16 27 40 61

22

P.0. Box 4430N Santa Clara, CA 95054
For will call only:( 408 ) 988-1640

For will call only:HU») SBB-1MU
2322 Walsh Ave.^

UUC/L

ELECTRONICS

CRYSTALS

i liu. i in 1 n inn uu, < oc ■

8228

535

llMwn wo art

8251

9 25

11t»n ?5

H on V

8253

10 00

7IM11*e>e 20

8255

COP18D2CO

man

CDP1881

6820

9 25

1995
25 00
12 95
995

CONNECTORS
44 p* tfge 2.00

100 pm edge 4 50

100 ten edge WW 5 25

6650

12 95

M0S MEMORY RAM

6502

18 50

2101-1

395

2102-1

1 28

1702*

3 95

2102M-4

1 60

I4I2S73

2 95

21702

1.85

H82S123

350

2KMA-4

495

H42SI26

375

2107B

4 95

N82S129

375

2111-1

4 95

N82SI31

375

2112-2

395

H32SI36

8 75

2114

8 50

K82SI37

8 75

4116

24 95

2708

12 50

251 38

630

DU6577

290

21102-1

1 49

8223

290

MM5262

*0

27I6T1

22 50

MM5280

300

1 MH|

2 MHr

4 MHr

5 MHr
10 MHr
18 MHr
20 MMr
32 MHr
32768 Hr

4 50 2 0100 MHr 196
4 50 2 097152 MHr 4 50
4 25 2 4576 MHr 4 SO

4 25 3 2766 MHr 4 50

4 25 5 0666 MHr 4 50

3 90 5 165 MHr 4 50

3 90 5 7143 MHr 4 50

3 90 6 5536 MHr 4 JO

4 00 14.31811 "

1 8432 MKr4 50 18 432 MHr

ASCII KEYBOAROS

53 key ut 555 00

56 My M S62 CO

Enclosure *14.95

3 5795 MHr 1 20 22.1184 MHr 4 50

30 MHr Frequency Conifer Kil $47.75
Prescjlrr Kit to 350 MHr SI 9 95

COMPUTER I0ARD KITS
6K RAM Board Kit $134 95

4* EPROM M 114 95

10 80Vd Kit 44 50

Exlcn** Board • conneclor 12 50

Video terertace board tat 125 00

16K EPROM board M * o PHOMS 74 50
16* Static RAM boaid M 395 00

Norm Star Flew Ouk Kit $665 00

AMfettil Drive KA 415 00

Parakoalci 100A Look

Analyze Kit $199 00

Model 10 Trigger Expand*/ Kf $229 00
Model 150 to Crabber KA $369 00

New Cosmac Super "ELF"

RCA CMOS expandable to 64K microcomputer
w/HEX keypad Input and video output lor graphics.
Just turn on and start loadrng your program using

256 Bytes of RAM. audio amp. & spkr. Detailed
assy. man. w/PC board & all pads fully socketed.
Comp. Kit $106.95. High address display option
8.95; Low address display option 9.95; Custom

Auto Clock Kit $15.95

DC clock with 4- 50' displays Uses National
MA 1012 module with alarm option. Indudes
light dimmer, crystal timebase PC boards.

Video Modulator Kit $8.95 1

Convert your TV set into a high quality monitor 1
without affecting normal usage Complete kit 1
with full instructions

the resident monitor on ROM. Pushbutton selec-
tion of al four CPU modes. LED indicators of

Battery Backup Kit w/all parts 4.95. Fully wired &

lor beautiful dark gray case. Best value

| RCA CosmacVIP Kil

$275.00 |

software dub. 10-12 pg. monthly publication

4K Ell Expansion Board Kil with Cassette l/F $ 79.95 12 00 per yr

All parts and instructions $4.40.

Sinclair 3Vi Digit Multimeter *59 95 1

Available on board options: IK super ROM monitor $19.95. Parallel I/O port $7.95. RS232 l/F $3.50.
TTY 20 ma l/F $1.95. S-100 Memory l/F $4.50. Need 4K Expansion Board Kit for all above options.
Power Supply Kit + 12V 5 amp $24.95.

Tiny Basic fnr ANY 1RD2 System

78 IC Update Master Manual

1978 IC Update Master Manual $30.00

Complete IC data selector 2175 pg. Master ref-

Baft oper. tmV and 1NA resolution. Rests- 1
tance to 20 meg 1% accuracy. Small, portable. 1
completely assem. m case. 1 yr. guarantee. 1

Cassette StO.OO c „„„ „. ‘ Object code listing or

on ROM Monitor S38.00 Supe E 0OTers ^ 30 “ 0|1 paper tape with manual *5 50

Free update service through 1978. Oomestic
postage $3.50. Foreign $6.00.

PROM Eraser

Ultraviolet, assembled

S49.95 \

TERMS: $5.00 min. order U S. Funds. Calif residents add 6% tax. BankAmerlcard and Master Charge accepted. Shipping charges will be added on charge cards.
FREE: Send for your copy of our NEW 1978 QUEST CATALOG. Include 28e stamp.

116 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 8*

OCTOBER 1976

Z-2D

You can't beat our prices . . .

nor can you beat our delivery!

CROMEMCO

SYSTEM 3

ist $5990 PRICE $4999

NORTH STAR

SAVE MORE THAN 15%

Complete Minifloppy Disk System

w/BASIC and drive. Kit List $699 $ 589

Assembled, List $799 689

4 MHz Z-80 CPU Board, Kit $199 169

Assembled/Tested List $259 209

16K Dynamic RAM Board,

Kit (order as 01-3216-0) List $399 329

Assembled/Tested (01-4216-0) $459 . . 379

CPM Disk Operating System Conversion
Package for North Star, latest version . . . 145

SPECIALS ON
TERMINALS
and PRINTERS

DYNABYTE 57 Naked Terminal

Assembled/Tested (order 03-4500-0)

List $350 OUR CASH PRICE $ 280

Intertube® 784

DECwriter II 1490

Immediate delivey on all DEC printers

TELETYPE 43 Printers - new
AS LOW AS 880

MORROW Discus I® assembled
and Tested, List $995 849

Check our prices on Hazeltine 1500, 1400.
Soroc 120, and Lear Siegler ADM3A.

ONLY $ 769

HORIZONS £r a . s c h e

Horizon 1 Kit, List $1599 $1349

Assembled/Tested List $1899 1 599

Horizon 2 (w/2 drives) Kit List $1999 1 699

Assembled/Tested List $2349 1 939

SUPER SYSTEM

Horizon 1 Assembled/Tested w/2 serial
ports, 1 parallel port, 6 extra edge
connectors. List $2065 . . $1749

Horizon 1 Kit w/above extras List 1699 1429

Horizon 2 Assembled/Tested with
above extras List $2515 2129

Horizon 2 Kit w/above extras (2099) 1 779

Check our prices on Hazeltine 1500,
1400, Soroc 120, and ADM3A.

HAZELTINE 1400 Terminal (Assembled)
OR LEAR SIEGLER ADM3A (Kit) -

including RS232 Cable — when purchased
with Horizon or Cromemco System .

ONLY $769

SUPER BUYS ON
MEMORY BOARDS

CROMEMCO — SAVE $300
16K RAM Board, factory assembled/
tested, List $795 OUR CASH PRICE $495

DYNABYTE 16K Static Board

MSC1645, 450ns 329

MSC1625, 250ns 359

assembled, tested, guaranteed one year.

MORROW THINKER TOYS -
Super RAM® 1 6K Static, Kit
450ns List $299 . OUR CASH PRICE $269

For 250ns version, add $35. For factory assembly
and testing, add $35

CROMEMCO BOARDS

4 MHz Single Card Computer,

Kit, List $395 (order 02-3511-0) $ 335

Assembled/Tested $450(02-4511-0) 382

Bytesaver PROM Board and PROM

Programmer, Kit. without PROM

List $145 (order as 02-33080) 123

Assembled/Tested List $245 (02-4308-0) 208

TU-ART Digital Interface, Kit

List $195 (order as 02-3440-0) 165

Assembled/Tested, $295 (02-4440 0) 250

Disk Controller Card, Kit

List $395 (order as 02-3701-0) 335

Assembled/Tested , $595 (02-4701-01 51 5

TV Dazzler, Kit $215 (02-3501-0) 182

Assembled/Tested, List $350(024501-0) 297

PRICES IN THIS AD ARE FOR
PREPAID CASH ORDERS. Slightly
higher prices apply for credit card
and C.O.D. purchases.

WRITE FOR FREE CATALOG on
hundreds of items at discount prices.
Credit card and COD shipments also
at discount, but slightly higher than
cash prices.

For shipping, add $2 tor boards. $6 for floppy disk systems. $12 lor Horizons, $15 for Cromemco
Z-2 and Z-2D Kits. Assembled Cromemco systems. DEC printers, and Teletype 43 units are
shipped freight collect.

Above prices subject to change without notice. All offers subject to withdrawal without notice.
STORE HOURS: 9-5 Mon-Fri, Sat & Evenings by appointment.

CROMEMCO
DISK SOFTWARE

BASIC, Fortran, Assembler, Cobol, Word
Processing System. Data Base Management,
all complete with CMOS disk operating

system. List $95 each $80 each

Multiple User BASIC Now Available!

INTERFACE AGE 117

1618 James Street, Syracuse, New York 1 3203 (31 5) 422-4467

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 86

OCTOBER 1978

I JMJ D IGITAL DIS PLAY |
mmam bezel wmm

MOLEX I.C. SOCKET PINS

.101 SWITCHES

CATALOG

AN MA1003 CLOCK MODULI BY NAYIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR fyily
auemMed. retire and reody to run on 1? VDC thu 0 3 fluorewerir
divpkty oe\*gn«*d to reptoce thove troublesome met Nome ol clocks It is
protected ogotml outomotive volioge tronsients ond fever soli with
timekeeping momtomed to 9 VOC Automatic d-\p»oy brightmi control
loa»c blanks the display wi»h the lomtion off, reduce-. brightness »0
33*. with pork or hfod 1.0 Ms artS follows the doth lamp dimming control
setting Its crystoi time base assurer on occuocv of 7 seconds per doy
at ?5 * ond 5 seconds per doy over the ronge of 7$ C to 6 SC
AN AntACTIVf INLAID WALNUT A CMROMT TRIM II Z El - Designed «o
be e»ther flush mounted or used as 0 face ptote for the enclosure Its
deep 'ecessed &\ph\f elimmcles glare ond reflection wfwle its blue
acrylic filter pro* .dr\ optimum display contrast
A NON GLARE BLACK ENCLOSURT WITH A 270* SWIVEL BRACKET - Is
mode of ABS ptosK and designed for mounting on under or ogamst
the ceding dosh or almost ornrwhere in your cor »an or boot Or
use os 0 bock boi. '» you choose to flush mount the betel The
enclosure betel tomb^otion con be flush mounted on ponelmq up to
S 1 6 thick ond m oddit>on is designed to fit between the nbi of most
»ons

J PUSH BUTTON SWITCHES ■ Tor gu«k ond s-mpfe setting of hours
mmu»es ond d*spk»y OCt nation with the ign*i-on off These switches
con he mounted directly on the bete< or enclosure or mounted re
motely if you prefer

A SIT Of EAST TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS To guide you step by step
Mounting hardware -xkded

MAI 003 Clock Module ond Switches only ... 15.95

401 Bezel ond Enclosure only 5.95

500 1 K Digi-Clock Kit (mciudei MA1003 ond 401 1 . . . 2 1 .90/

• Trouble-free Module!

• 270° Swivel Mount!

• Inlaid Walnut Chrome
Trim Bezel!

• Ideal for Car, Van
or Boat!

3-5/8"i2-3/16" ToIIk
2-1/8" Deep!

Quick ond Eosy To Install!

PCLOCK MODULE*

SALE OF SALES

FOR MA1002 ANDMA1010
CLOCK MODULES ^

A MICROCOMPUTER AT A MICROPRICE!

— t: iWwirj I FEATURES:

'• '.fl j • i\wn»hM.»dTnl«l.>rtml> KIW9G

■I j I ''I i W? P!i!! 1| • standard 4i" In t.V rani with 72 pin «f«»

DIGI-KEY

CORPORATION

Quality Klmronir ('.omfioncnt*

MW., AK., HI. RESIDENTS]

I.C.'S • RESISTORS . TRANSISTORS • CAPACITORS . DIODES . I.C. SOCKETS & PINS • SWITCHES
CLOCK MOOULES . OPTOELECTRONICS • BREADBOADING A TESTING DEVICES . DRAFTING SUPPLIES
DATABOOKS . HEATSINKS • WIRE . TOOLS ■ ■ . ANO MORE ... WRITE FOR FREE CATALOG

DOUBLE DIGIT DISCOUNTS SAVE YOU EVEN MORE!

HANDLING HANOUNO CMAIOT VOLUME

CHARGES iSrjSUS :X£2 DISCOUNT

$ 0.0*5 4.99. . . Add $2.00 » STtlUZ * 0.00-5 24.94

$ 5.00-524.49. . . Add $0.75 tCJd * 25.00-5 99.99 . Leu 1

U* « oo 2 * «oo-$ »■” WT

Add $0.75 'LZTtZ tCaSvS**! $ 25.00-5 99.99 . leu 10%
Add 50-50 thu n. — ** $ 100.00-5499.94 . leu 15%

Add 5o.2s * *00.00.5444.44 . uu 20%

No Cherg. %££& gffXtSSS. U 000.00 A Up ... U«i 25%

5 25.00-549.99. . . Add $0.50 n.
5 50.00-599.99. . , Add 50.25
5100.00 A Up ... N« Che roe \?L!1

.J —I '1

—rniiTigTum. .1

DIGI-KEY

CORPORATION

Quality Electronic Components

P.0, lei A77 thief I her Mi, MN SA701 (211) U1 -4474

Btshop COOLGLO
Light Table

118 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 81

OCTOBER 1978

OIOS*

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SYSTEM SELECTION ADVICE. WE WILL HELP
YOU TO CHOOSE FROM THE BEST OF EACH
MANUFACTURER TO COMPLETE THE SYSTEM
BEST SUITED TO YOUR NEEDS. COME SEE
AND try:

PROCESSOR TECH.

SOL 20 SYSTEM

TDL ZPU Z16K

CROMEMCO

POLYMORPHIC

VECTOR GRAPHICS

IMSAi

SWTP

INTEL

BYTE

•COM DISCS
NORTH STAR

tarbell

SEALS

DYNABYTE

LEAR ADM 3A

COMPUCOLOR

SOROC

SANYO

HITACHI

ALPHA MICRO 16 8
OKiDATA
DECWRITER
MULTITERM
S R POLYPHONIC

computalker

S S MUSIC
1C S SOCKETS
TOOLS SUPPLIES
BOOKS MAGAZINES

LAWNDALE

BVTE SHOP

the affordable computer store

16508 HAWTHORNE BLVD
LAWNDALE, CA 90260
(213) 371-2421

HRS: TUE.-FRI. 12-8. SAT 10-6
BANKAMERICARD * MASTERCHARGE ♦ AMERI CAN EXPRESS
CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 70

TORRANCE

MEET THE SORCERER COMPUTER

AT THE

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE $ 895

STANDARD FEATURES

• Z80

• 4K OF ROM MEMORY

• 8K OF RAM MEMORY

• DUAL CASSETTE I/O

• 30 LINES OF 64 CHARACTERS

• 64 DEFINED CHARACTERS AND 64
USER DEFINED CHARACTERS

• 512 X 240 GRAPHIC RESOLUTION

• EDGE CARD CONNECTION
TO SI 00 BUS

• SERIAL AND PARALLEL I/O

;JM4W{RiC*«3

COMPUTER MART

OPTIONS

• EXPANDABLE TO 32K RAM

• 8-SL0T SI 00 BUS

• PRINTER

• DISKSTORAGE
•TELEPHONE

• VOICE

• HOME CONTROLLER

COMPUTER MART
OF NEW YORK

118 Madison Ave. New York, NY 10016
(212) 686-7923

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 78

INTERFACE AGE 119

n

IE

u

u

Pin!

—i

—

Ul

uni

LJl

New from Echo

A complete line of polyester films (mylar),
suited for the majority of your graphic art, draft-
ing or computerized plotting needs.

Twelve sizes of cut sheets in stock. Buy one
sheet or take advantage of our 100 sheet per
size discount. Roll stock available in eight
widths. Choose from two registration punches:
Graphic punch Yu" slot, Vi" round, Yu" slot on
tenth inch centers. Drafting punch Vi” slot,
Vi" round, maximum spacing 30 inches. Alumi-
num registration pins with poly tabs available
for either type of punch at $1.00 per pin.

For more Information, price sheets and
samples contact Echo Design & Development
Corp., 195 E. Gish Rd., San Jose, CA 95112,
(408) 292-0918.

Readers who mailed an Inquiry card on this
new product from the February 1978 issue are
asked to resubmit, as all inquiries for this com-
pany were forwarded to the wrong address.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 128

CCSA-Type Switching System

The Release 5, a low-cost option of the
ROLM® CBX Business Telephone System soft-
ware, will enable small and medium size com-
panies to install private CCSA-type switching
systems.

ROM's network uses the standard 7-digit
numbering plan for inter-office calls and 10-
digits for off-net calls; it can be retrofitted into
existing CNX installations.

The ROLM CCSA System can also be used
for regular long distance traffic. The phone
user simply dials “9" plus the number desired,
including area code. ROLM CX Route Optimi-
zation takes it from there. Call queuing can be
used for making off or on-net calls.

For more information contact ROLM Corpor-
ation, 4900 Old Ironside Dr., Santa Clara, CA
95050, (408) 988-2900.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. Ill

Complementary Transistors Give
High Performance

Eight new PNP and NPN transistors with
80V collector-emitter voltages, 5A continuous
collector currents and operating frequencies
to 70MHz, provide high-performance in power
amplifier and switching circuits.

The 2N5003, 2N5005, 2N5151 and 2N5153
PNP transistors have 100V collector-base volt-
ages, 2A continuous base currents and emitter-
base voltages of 5.5V. The NPN devices,
2N5002, 2N5004, 2N5152 and 2N5154, have
similar electrical ratings permitting their use in
complementary-pair circuits.

In 100-999 quantities, prices are: 2N5002,
$13.00 each; 2N5003, $15,00 each; 2N5004,
$18.00 each; 2N5005, $25.00 each; 2N5151,
$7.00 each; 2N5152, $4.25 each; 2N5153, $8.00
each and 2N5154, $5.00 each.

For more information contact Solid State
Devices, Inc., 14830 Valley View Ave., La
Mirada, CA 90638, (213) 921-9660.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 112

Three-State A/D Converter

Teledyne Semiconductor has expanded its
line of monolithic data conversion products
with the addition of 8, 10, and 12 bit A/D con-
verters with three state binary output.

The device utilizes low power CMOS tech-
nology and is fully self contained in a single
24-pin DIP requiring only passive support com-
ponents. Its integrating principle of operation
gives it inherently high accuracy, linearity and
noise immunity. Conversion speed is 1 to 20 ms.

The device is available in plastic or ceramic
packages. 100 quantity prices for the 8-bit unit
in plastic, $8.95; 10-bit plastic, $11.50 and
12-bit ceramic, $25.00 Delivery is stock to four
weeks. For more information contact Teledyne
Semiconductor, 15840 Ventura Blvd., Encino,
CA 91436, (213) 986-8506.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 113

Quay 80 FI

The Quay 80 FI Is a floppy disk system for
use in S-100 bus computers. The Quay 80 FI
system includes the Q/80 FDC (floppy disk
controller) board capable of supporting up to
four disks, QDOS disk based operating
system, the Q/FD1 125 KB 5’/<" band-driven
disk drive with power regulator and interface
cable, and the Q/80 FC floppy disk cabineL

In addition to the floppy disk support, the
Q/FDC has available a programmable 8-bit, TTL
compatible, parallel I/O port capable of suppor-
ting standard peripheral devices such as line
printers, tape punches, keyboards, etc.

Price for the Quay 80 FI system is $795.
Add-on drives (Q/FD1) are $395 each. Delivery
is 30-60 days ARO. For more information con-
tact Quay Corporation, P.O. Box 386, Freehold,
NJ 07228, (201) 681-8700.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 114

Selector Switch

The Model 8544-D, A, B, C, D, CRT Selector
Switch allows the user to switch any 2-wire in-
put to any one of four 2-wire outputs. All con-
nections are made at the rear panel.

In application, the Model 8544-D (Desktop)
module allows the user to manually select any
one of four CRT displays. The unit is ideally
suited for switching the IBM 3270 Interface or
any 2-wire telephone line.

A four-position rotary switch on the front
panel instantly switches any 2-wire Input from
a rear panel BNC labeled Common to any one
of four BNC’s lebeled A to D. This module is
available for desktop switching only, and no
power is required.

Th Model 8544-D is priced at $160. Delivery
is 30 days ARO. For more information contact
Marketing Dept., International Data Sciences,
Inc., 100 Nashua St., Providence, Rl 02904,
(401) 274-5100.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 124

Intelligent Floppy Disk Controller

The IFC-8400 controller will control up to
eight SA400 or SA800 Shugart single-sided,
single density flexible disk drives.

The IFC-8400 will permit interface to any
computer or stand-alone terminal over an RS-
232C or 20 mA current loop serial channel or
optional parallel 8-blt TTL I/O channels.

The IFC-8400 also includes a IK byte RAM
buffer to hold data being transferred between
host and diskette. Use of a buffer RAM larger
than a single sector size allows for certain
commands to be implemented more efficiently
than with a smaller buffer. This decreases
command execution times by decreasing un-
necessary head movements.

The new IFC-8400 is priced at $795 and Is
available immediately. For more information
and quantity pricing contact Cybernetic Micro
Systems, 2378A Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA
95050, (408) 249-9255.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 125

120 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

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FIRST CLASS
PERMIT NO. 11
CERRITOS, CA
90701

BUSINESS REPLY MAIL

No Postage Stamp Necessary if Mailed in the United States

Postage will be paid by

imcnrittLC «3E Magazine

P.O. Box 1234
Cerritos, CA 90701

FIRST CLASS
PERMIT NO. 11
CERRITOS, CA
90701

BUSINESS REPLY MAIL

No Postage Stamp Necessary il Mailed in the United States

Postage will be paid by

iiuTErraLE «5E Magazine

P.O. Box 1234
Cerritos, CA 90701

mmrn.

VMM I

iTPoni^’

NORTH STAR
HORIZON

48K RAM
Dual Floppies

CENTRONICS 779

with Tractor Feed

The complete integrated system
$5750

All four Components

OUR VALUES ARE UNBEATABLE.
We guarantee compatible
components. Before you buy come to
our store for “hands-on” experience
on our demonstrators. Some people
may try to save a few dollars by
buying a piece here and a piece there.
When the system doesn’t run who can
they turn to?

SOROC IQ 120

80 characters x
24 lines
Numeric Pad

OUR BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
A complete SOFTWARE PACKAGE

General Ledger
Payroll

Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Inventory (Retail)

'handled simultaneously and interactive

:^“es If tJ ft I HJUX

*150 vendors

*200 customers M

*700 items

2008 WILSHIRE BLVD. SANTA MONICA, CA 90403 213-829-5137

When you buy a
computer system
from

MISSION CONTROL

you get
three things:

THE BEST VALUE

'THE RIGHT
COMPONEN7

iisism

all you really need
in a computer system

AND THE
SUPPORT TO
GET IT UP
AND RUNNING

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. B7

INTERFACE AGE 121

Single Chip Microcomputer
Has On-Board NMOS AID Converter

The 8022 is a low cost, general purpose
single-chip microcomputer containing a lull
analog-to-digital (A/O) converter. Aimed at high
volume control appliaitons, the microcomputer
is ideas for applications such as home appli-
ances, test and measurement instruments,
automotive, process control, environmental
control, sensingfrecording instruments and
other control applications.

The 8022 Is software compatible with other
single-chip microcomputers In the MCS-48
family of microcomputers and peripheral com-
ponents. Another unique feature of the 8022 is
its accurate on-chip oscillator, which can be
externally synchronized with a crystal or a TTL-
level clock signal.

For more Information contact Intel Corp.,
3065 Bowers Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95051, (408)
249-8027, Rob Walker.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 117

MOPS Software Packages Enhances
Debugging Capabilities of COSMAC

A new software package, the Micromonitor
Operating System (MOPS) CDP18S831, pro-
vides Micromonitor users with enhanced de-
bugging techniques ranging from simple ter-

minal-Micromonitor dialog to hands-off system
testing with commands coming from disk files.

The MOPS CDP18S831 consits of a MOPS
diskette plus a UART module, and connecting
cable to interface the Micromonitor to the
CDS. Literature support includes the Micro-
monitor Operating System (MOPS) CDP18S831
Users' Guide, MPM-231, which describes the
installation and startup of MOPS, the specific
commands available to the user and command
usage.

In single quantities, the RCA COSMAC
Micromonitor Operating System is priced at
$350 and the Micromonitor at $1600. For more
information contact RCA Solid State Div., Box
3200, Somerville, NJ 08876, (201) 685-6380,
MOS Product Marketing.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 118

Zilog Z80 Compatible DAC Card

Completely compatible with the Zilog Z80
microcomputer board this digital to analog
converter card offers four or eight channels of
conversion, each channel having 12 bit resolu-
tion; less than 0.5 bit nonlinearity; individual
zero and full-scale adjustments; five user
selectable output voltage levels; optional 4-20
ma current output; memory mapped address
selection; and double buffering.

The Model 608 DAC card price is $595 for 4
channels and $895 for 8 channels, in small quan-
tities. For more information contact Signal
Laboratories, Inc., 202 N. State College Blvd.,
Orange, CA 92668, (714) 634-1533, Del Flagg.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 126

Two New Printer Interfaces

Sol Hytype I mounts inside any Diablo
Series 1200 Printer connecting it directly to the
back of the Sol. Similarly the Sol Hytype II
Printer Interface works with the Diablo Series
1300 Printer.

The installation package includes the fully
assembled, tested and burned-in printed cir-

f i Apple II and Centronics-an unbeatable pair.

SAVE $240.00 on
Micropolis Dual Drive
Disk System!

Business Software

for MICROPOLIS and NORTH STAR
DISK SYSTEMS

includes:

• Accounts Payable and Receivable

• Payroll for up to 600 employees

• General Ledger

• Inventory control handles 1400 items

• Customer Accounts list for 1200

• Mailing lists

Delivered on diskette with full documen-
tation.

ge County Location Mo „ a , y Thu “ u t R ? 17

• El Camino Plaza ^ nda 'I ” ‘®

• (71/1) Saturday 10 6

122 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 71

cuit board, software, all cables and mounting
hardware. No modification to the Sol Is neces-
sary. No holes need be drilled In the printer.
The printer can be restored to its original con-
dition if required.

Hytype driver software is Included on CUTS
cassette along with a source listing. The user
may modify the driver software to suite a par-
ticular application.

Suggested retail price for both the Hytype I
and Hytype II is $150. Delivery is stock to 30
days. For more information see your Sol dealer
ad contact Processor Technology Corp., 7100
Johnson Industrial Dr., Pleasanton, CA 94566,
(415) 829-2600.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 119

16 Bit Microprocessor Family

The MCS-86™ Microprocessor Family is
comprised of the 16-bit 8086 CPU and its perl-

Graphic/Text Video Interface

Merlin is a combination text and graphic
video display board, combining functins of text
display, graphic display (320H by 200V resolu-
tion), keyboard input port, and 4K bytes of on-
board control ROM.

Merlin displays 20 lines of easily readable
text with 40 characters per line. This is suitable
for text editing, BASIC and assembly programs
and large screen classroom use. Both upper
and lower case characters can be displayed.

The Merlin video interface provides the main
console I/O in a small system, or can be the
heart of a sophisticated graphic development
system.

Price for Merlin assembled and tested is
under $500. In kit form without ROM software
price is less than $300. For more information
contact Minlterm Assoc., Inc., Dundee Park,
Andover, MA 01810, (617) 470-0525, Dave King.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. IIS

Digital Logic Modules

The Wyle line of digital logic includes over
200 modules covering all types of logic ele-
ments. Available on the3V«" x 4V4” modules are
gates, flip-flops, decoders, counters, one shots,

Some of these features are extended ad-
dressing capability — up to one million bytes;
16-bit hardware multiply/divide; elaborate str-
ing handling instructions; dynamic memory re-
location; reentrant program code, position-
independent programs; instruction look ahead.

These features, while providing a new archi-
tecture, at the same time maintain compatibil-
ity with the 8080 and 8085 microprocessor
families. For more information contact Intel
Corp., 3065 Bowers Ave., Santa Clara, CA
95051. (408) 249-8027, Rob Walker,

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 130

MCZ-1 Microcomputer Implements
New Integrated Terminal

The MCZ-1/60 consists of an intelligent ter-
minal with 4K bytes of RAM expandable to 52K
bytes, a general purpose computer with 32K
bytes of RAM expandable to 64K bytes, and an
integral 9-inch CRT — all in a single desk-top
unit. Dual rack-mounted floppy disk drives pro-
vide 600K bytes of on-line program and data
storage.

Incorporating Zllog's own Z80-CPU micro-
processor and 16K dynamic RAM chips, the
MCZ-1160 sells for $6,990 in single quantities
with delivery in 60 days. The system is also
available in a version with desk-top disk drives,
designated MCZ-1/62. For more Information
contact Zilog, 10340 Bubb Rd., Cupertino, CA
95014, (408) 446-4666, Dave West.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 127

pheral support components, development soft-
ware, and design development aids. Designed
to delivery ten times the performance of the
8080, the 8086 provides features never before
found on a microprocessor.

line drivers/receivers, electronic and many more.

PME-1 improves
your PET 3 ways

PET is a registered TM of
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.

Now an expansion
memory board for
your PET

16K ($550)
24K ($650)
J 32K ($750)

• Mounts easily inside your
I PET chassis

• Uses your PET's transformer
without degradation of your
system

• Full 6 month limited

( warranty

• Full manual with graphic
display memory test
that shows chip
layout

Dealer Inquiries Invited
For a complete spec sheet write:

COMPUTER MART SYSTEMS

13 East 30th Street
New York, New York 10016
212-686-7923

2-4 weeks delivery

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 79

INTERFACE AGE 123

Apple II is at The Computer Store

The Apple ’ II, today’s most popular personal computer, is at The
Computer Store. Along with the latest in Apple peripherals. Like
the new Disk™ II floppy disk drive. Or, printer and communica-
tions interfaces. And, the latest in software including the new
Apple/ Dow Jones Stock Quote Reporter. The compact Apple II
gives you 48K RAM memory with full color graphics and high
resolution graphics. It’s the most powerful computer in its price
range.

At 1'he Computer Store, we have more than ever before in
microcomputers, memories, terminals and peripherals. All backed
by a technical staff and a full service department. Stop in today,
you’ll find more than ever before at The Computer Store.

The Computer Store

820 Broadway, Santa Monica, California 90401 (213) 451-0713
The Original Name In Personal Computer Stores

Store Hours: Tbes.-Kri., Noon- 8pm, Saturday, I0um-6pm
Located two blocks nonh of the Santa Monica Freeway at the Lincoln Blvd. exit.

Phone and nuul orders invited. Bank American!/ Visa and Master Charge accepted.

, CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 80

sg5S^

a g£

New York City
and

Long Island

If You Want Professional Service
In A Casual A tmosphere -
And A Large Variety of Equipment

BUSINESS APPLICATIONS

General Ledger, Inventory, Accounts Payable, Receivable, Word Processing
GENERAL APPLICATIONS
Northstar Mailing Label Program . . . $45
Northstar Macro Assembler . . . $65

STOCK MARKET PACKAGE - (Unique)

Makes Ticker-Tape Obsolete
Send $2.00 For Descriptive Brochure And Much More

BVTE SHOP

the affordable computer store

130 East 40th Street
New York, NY 10016
(212) 889-4204
(corner Lexington Ave.)

2721 Hempstead Turnpike
Levittown, NY 11756
(516) 731-8116
(Just E. of Wantagh Pkway.)

11-7 Tues, Thru Fri 12 to 8

10-5 Saturday 10 to 5

Additional modules Include relays, test
point modules, extender, lamp, toggle switch
and a wide variety of socket, wire wrap and
blank modules. Also available are card fiels
and card drawers for rack mount or custom In-
stallations, and logic power supplies.

For additional information contact Wyle
Laboratories/Computer Products, 3200
Magruder Blvd., Hampton, VA 23666, f804>
838-0122.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 129

Air Velocity Detector Increases
Reliability of Air Cooled Equipment

The Dietz Model AD Air Velocity Detector
will indicate air flow in the range of 1 foot per
second to an infinite air velocity. It can be used
to detect the lack of air flow in air cooled elec-
tronic equipment, such as computers.

provides a sensitivity to air flow that increases
as the air flow diminishes, is immune to shock,
vibration, and ambient temperature changes, is
low cost, and of small physical size.

The Model AD can be mounted across the
face of the blower, requiring only an additional
%" of space. For additional details contact
Henry G. Dietz Co., Inc., 14-26 28th Ave., Long
Island City, NY 11102, (212) 726-3347, Henry
Dietz, president.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 122

Literature on Subminiature Switches

C&K Components, INc., is now offering its
latests addition to its line of consumer-
oriented literature. SFC 678 includes 16 pages
of subminiature and microminiature toggles,
rockers, pushbuttons and power switches from
the extensive C&K switch line.

Complete with model numbers, specifica-
tions, P.C. layours, mounting information and
prices, this catalog will fill the needs of every
OEM and designer. For more information con-
tact C&K Components, Inc., 103 Morse St.,
Watertown, MA 02172, (617) 926-0800.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 121

124 INTERFACE AGE

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 72

OCTOBER 1978

30 MHZ LOW COST FREQUENCY COUNTER KIT

FaaturM:

• Frequency Range- 100H* to 30MH* min., resolution 100 Hi

• All TTL Circultry-No tear* in the eye* when replacing 1C*

• FET Input Stage-Offer* high input imoedance

• Htgh Sensitivity- 15mV typical

• Xytal Time Bete-0.001% IOMHi foe better accuracy 'v

• On Board Regulator- No external power supply needed

• All 1C* Socketed -Easy to aervice

• Easy to Operate -No twitche* to flip

• Tin Plated & Screened Board -For easy assembly

KIT INCLUDES: Detailed Instructions (22 peoes). All parts inclod

Plastic Molded Instrument Case ^

H-2 7/16* 3 11/16' W— 8’/ 0-9 .* I
Idiustabie he«jhi* to accommodate '
nost needs Available in Ian & gray. iL /

Model *CH-200 $1950

Adjustable hc*ghls lo accommodate
mo»1 needs Available in Ian A gray

Model *CH-200 $1950

I.C. SOCKETS

Lo-pro

Wire Wrap

5 pcs 10 pcs

100 pcs

5 pcs 10 pc* 100 pcs

6- pm

060

1 50

1200

1 90

3SO

32 00]

14-pkn

095

1.75

1500

2.10

390

36 00

16- pm

V05

200

1700

250

420

39 00 1

18- pm

1 40

250

23 00

320

600

55 00

20-pin

1 GO

310

28 00

3.50

650

60 00

|22-p*n

1 80

340

32 00

3.75

700

65 00

24-ptn

165

350

33 00

4 25

800

75 OOl

?8-pm

220

4.20

39 00

4 75

900

85 00

40-pm

350

620

59 00

650

1200 100 00

FREQUENCT COUNTER
LSI CHIPS

icw-To; tin

rCM770? $1695

6 5536 UH/ try tel S 425

SAVE MORI CUT THEM AU

for moo

TRIACS

TIC

TO&A

3A

I0OV

80

TIC

**0

3A

200V

SO

TIC

2060

3A

400V

100

TIC

?1«A

5A

100V

to

TIC

2168

6A

700V

1 05

TIC

2ISO

•A

400V

125

TIC

2MB

»JA

700V

1 40

TIC

7360

I2A

400V

I TO

TIC

■ M

20A

4COV

7SO

TIC

2530

70A

40OV

795

1 TIC

253C

?OA

600V

355

TIC

2530

25A

700V

310

TIC

2*30

25A

40OV

3 TO

i TIC

2536

754

600V

475

POWER TRANSISTORS

MATCHED PAIR

MOTOROLA M it 2955 PHP

MJE3055 NPN

10 AMP 60 VOtl 90 WATTS
S2.2S PER PAIR

MINIATURE
TOGGLE SWITCH

roi $i» u
oroi si 50 m

or LE D. lamps

Red

15«

100/1000

Green

204

100/1500

YeOom

20*

100/1500

Amber

204

100/1500

LED.

Displays

ENO 503

C.C

05"

754

ENO 510

CA

05-

75*

1720R

CA

r

475

1723R

CC.

r

4 75

JUMBO LED READOUT ARRAY

• 1 00 Inch High Characters

• Common Cathode Connections IT 1012

• 3b OigNs with Colons $ 7.50

• Independent Segments

DIP PLUGS

5 pcs 10 pcs 100 pea
1 4-pin 325 600 55*

16-pm 3 50 6 50 60 00

( 40-pm 950 1600 150 00

AUOTBLE TRANSDUCERS

Manufactured by GUI TON iNOUS
T PIES' for producing UMxJ
AM* a very timgto on# Tutor cd
Meal lor tacit deleclor A morse
cede gtaclrcer SITS m >0 $1400

Wire Wrap Wire
Special Purchase
500 tt. roll @5.00
While only

ERIE MINI

CERAMIC TRIMMER CAP

10 - 40p/F 10/54.50

SPECIAL OF THE

MONTH

AN2I44 5A Power 1C mth spec

1295 as

MM0Q26 5MH/ Dock Dover

1195 ea

14- pm Lo pro 1C Socket

100/11600

16 pm Lo pro 1C Socket

100/117 00

PC Mount Itormer. 24V 45A

SI 95 ea

1.0001 uF 50V cap Anal lead

11 00 ea

C60 Ogrtai Cassette Tape

11 50 ea

transformer (case not available).

Instrument Case lor tot

H-2'r* W-6 1/16" 0-6V
Ideal lor many smaller projects.
Similar to CH-200 less handle.
CM-6-225 S9.40

COMPARE
I and
* SAVE!

2-20V ADJ. POWER SUPPLY

Kit fflaUDES InMlonw. PC Board.
Large heal unk. Large Mering eapac
•tor and ai (he parts Mh detailed
instruction ur.iasa $12.95

6-DIGIT AUTO CLOCK KIT WITH ALARM

Femur**

A. f *-ich.«d 0.5" F NO SOO C twtebaw

Se***s O.aprev 0. F C ioerd*. ipMker, *C'i ... __

■ Chtpiev Boerd me* tw and mil rwtt 51 if. 9 b

r*mo»* i- 0*»e*ied InMrucitem air m r-itm

HAMMOND BREADBOARD KIT

BIMBOAKD I 59.95 ea.

Accepts DIP packages without adaptors or
damaging component leads
Contacts are double s*ded. neckel stiver
current carrying capacity ol 1 Amp with less
than 10 mHliohms corned resistance Cj* .

Total ol 550 sockets identiliod by a letter and /

number main* (or recording experiments S'

Buss strip seebon runs up each s*de ol i
board

Component bracket (included with each
board) will fit on any o» the tour edges or
down the center

BIMBOARD 2

> Bimboards and 2 component brackets *
1 Aluminum base wilh 4 insulated T ernunals

BIMBOARD 3

3 Bimboards and 3 component brackets
1 Aluminum base wilh 4 insulated terminals

FIM.LV CNCOOCD fa-key

keyboard

manufactured by Micro Sw*ch for

Honeywell (Lmited Oty 1

S 50 OOea

PRECUT WIRE WRAP WIRE

A 30 Kynat in ted. orange,
blue, yellow, [teen, black, white.
Pie-sliipped both end
too soo moo sooo

2 , -v m.

78

240

4 30/K

3.89/K

3 in.

62

260

4.71/K

4.22/K

3*6 in.

66

260

512/K

4.55/K

4 in.

90

300

5 52>K

4 88 K

4*4 tn.

94

3.21

5 93/K

5^1/K

5 in

96

342

6 34 K

5.52/K

5’4 in.

1 02

365

6.75/K

5. 06

Bin.

106

365

7.16/K

6.19/K

6'4 rn.

1.15

405

757/K

6S2/K

1 7 in.

1 20

425

796/K

6 85 K

‘7'0 in.

1 25

445

8 39/K

7.18/K

8 in.

1 29

465

660/K

7.53/K

8'4 in.

1 32

465

921 IK

7 84/K

9m

1 36

505

962/K

817/K

9'4 in

1 40

525

10C3/K

850K

10 in

1 45

5 51

1044/K

8 83 K

Add)

In 10

41

82K

6AK

TINE BASE MINI KIT

Includes MM5369 I C.
3 5795 MHz X ytal
Trimmer Cap.
$3.45

WIRE-WRAP TOOLS
Hobby Wrap • 30
Hobby Wrap- BW-630
Battery Up. (lessbett.)
$30.95

SWITCHING OIODES IN4148
10 lor U.50
50 tor 2 00
100 lor 3.50

THE KIM-1 MICROCOMPUTER SYSTEM

• 650? 8 M MPEJ with powerW instruction set 13 address*! model mu«iple mier-
reps. M 65K byte address range

• ?MCS 6530 chips mcN wen 1024 bytes ot ROM. 64K bytes U RAM. 15 1/0 pmi and a*
interval timer

• the KIM i «en*x and opnatm< procram are stored permanencty m the 1048 ROM
bytes provided

• Comes with seyOoatd and aip*»r ..meric display

• TTY and cassette interface

• CompMefy assembled and teslnl and documented

• Include* KIM 1 user manoel. 6500 program***! mam* and 6500 hardware manual

ALL THESE TON JUST 123500

TRimco

2795-L West Lincoln Ave.
Anaheim. CA 92801
(714) 821-0234

Minimum order $5 00. Please add $2 00 postage
and handling for out of States. $1.00 inside Cali-
fornia plus Tax. CO D. orders welcome (Min
Order $20.00)

Store Hours 10 * 7. Mon. - Sat.

VISA MASTERCHARGE

VHF Modulator

For TV Game or Computer
Modulates Video Input te a Rf
output |ch. 3|

Supply voltage 5V
14 50 ea.

3815

5-0ECA0E COUNTER

The 3815 is a 5 Dec**
Counter ehicti includes a
memory mth state latches tor
each ccunlef dipt and an owl
pul mulbplrxer Ike 3815 a
druped to dme a multipleied
display eluch has i Binary
Ceded Decimal output and live
decoded outputs to strobe the
disptoy

With SpKifeJtaon 15 00 ea

Car Battery Eliminator

KIT INCLUDES. Transformer.

PC Board. Large he*
sink, Larop filtering capacitor
KIIN700 516.95

KEPCO Ferrgresonanl power supply.

LAMBDA Precision Power Supply

Input 110V 3A

Factory f*»ice 1206

Modal LXS-EE 50V

Output 24V 8A

Our Price S60

5V 45A Factory Price S600

Our Price S100

hu m aM IS 00 «tbi pestif* to ttet* itowt

KIM SUPPORT

CIO

too

6507

1195

6520

1000

657?

$25

65 JO

1595

6530002

1SK

65)0001

1596

65)0006

1695

(5)0005

1595

Z-80 CPU BOARD/KIT

On board 2706 EPROM addressable to any
4K boundary above 32K Power -on-/ump to
any 4K boundary above 32K. or the on board
2706 On board run-stop flip-flop and
optional generation of Memory Write allow
front panel-less operation

BARt BOARD 534.00

SIM-W (WM $145.00 (tWIll

mimiD t runt uo isooo

8080 A CPU BOARD/KIT

With 8 levef vector interrupt CPU chip 8080 dock
chip 8224; crystal Fieq I8MH; wclor mlMnipl
chip. 8214

BARE B0AR0 $28.50 KIT 195.00
Assembled and Tested 1145 00

REAL TIME CLOCK
FOR S-lOO BUSS

On boars imhi crystal Oscillator, two
independent interrupts 16 bn counter in
10 s steps, and decade steps from 100 s
to 10 sec KMin lw-Wrt4|t||H

BARE BOARD $24.00 it"*

16K STATIC RAM KIT 1375

BOARD 124 00 ASSEMBIE/TEST $425 00

32K STATIC RAM
BARE BOARO $35.00
KIT ASSEMBIE/TESTEO

250ns $79500 187500

450ns 162500 1775.00

2708/2716 FPROM KIT $5995
Special Kit With 8ea
2708 s $129.95

Bare Board $30 00

ULTRAVIOLET E

Erase up to 48 ICs each time
$49.50

OCTOBER 1978

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 93

INTERFACE AGE 125

SOFTWARE SECTION

SOFTWARE TUTORIAL

INTRODUCTION

to the

TEX AND REAL APPLICATIONS

Now you’ll see some examples from a system for
physical mail (electronic mail is interconnected, but not
shown here). Many readers will find it useful to study the
programs for the algorithms, if not for TEX. Their chal-
lenge is to write the same programs in BASIC or any
other language, for comparison with these TEX pro-
grams for the same procedures. I’ll guarantee that TEX
is much easier and shorter!

The mail system has these parts (individual programs):

•Creating the name/address file.

•Updating the name/address file.

•Adding or changing indication of membership on a
specific mailing list.

•Displaying a mailing list, on a cover sheet or as labels.

•Archiving the various source lists; that is, making an
integrated set of permanent copies.

The original database is the telephone directory. People
working for a company often consider the accuracy of
their entry in it to have priority second only to payroll. To
understand the programs to be explained here, the data-
base format needs to be known. It is a linear/sequential
file of entries of this form:

surname, (given) ft tel-no ft org. U address tt room ft bldg

The entries are of variable length, "address” is a 4-char-
acter mail-station here, but it could be a full address just
as easily. “#” is used to represent visibly the Horizontal
Tab character. It gets replaced automatically in all dis-
play programs.

LINE PRINTER DISPLAY OF
THE TELEPHONE BOOK

First let’s look at a program called “alphatel”, which
is the proofing run before photocomposition of the
telephone book (directory).

{alphatel clear * restart=0 a

{restartO out:""alphatel ' has restart capability.” b

f i lename- ’telbook,q" call texlib/old if fail call ouch c
out:*lf,"Have the file." rs:"#";*:*ht b out:"Tabs in." d
call texlib/datehead b ib:*c l:".pape 65” e

i:»cl:".repl "" i:*cl:".tabu 27,37,55,61,69" f

f i lename="sink" call texlib/resa restarts 9

out: "Restart 1 passed. Now you can, in case of” h

out:"any failure, restart at the last restart" i

out:"passed by entering 'call alphatel ‘.restart 1 ." j

goto Inostartl k

Irestartl fi lename-'sink" call texlib/old f:".tab" l

Inostartl 1:*cl:"*hd" i:*cl:". space" i :*c l:". space" m

call separate call widow n

out:"Widowing operation coaplete",*lf o

b r:"*hd";» p

Organization/ Mail q

•break r

Name Phone Component Sta. Room Bldg. s

.break t

u

•space v

*nu U w

b out:"Restart2 (paging) passed." call texlib/resa x

restart=2 goto !nostart2 y

!restart2 fi lenai»e="sink" call texlib/old z

!nostart2 call texlib/formsink which="a" name="sink" aa

id-'(my-IO)" bi ll=" (my-charge)" bb

call texlib/print Ihowmany nosubs return cc

{restart subs $ dd

goto !restart*restart$ ee

Figure 1. The program “alphatel”

In Figure 1, the lines of “alphatel” to be explained are
keyed to letters on the right:

b Programs that use a fair amount of computer time
should have restart capability, so that not all of the
work is lost in case of a failure. The user of this
program is advised that it is restartable.

c At the terminal we would just say “old telbook” to
get that file. If it was busy, or had a password we

126 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

SOFTWARE SECTION

SOFTWARE TUTORIAL

Part Three

TEX Language

By Robert W. Berner

did not provide, a message to that effect would be
displayed. Manual correction action could be taken.
In executive files such actions must be automatic.
So we set the content of the variable “filename” to
be the name of the wanted file, and call a program
named "old”. But this isn’t one of our personal files.
It belongs to another (but synthetic) user called "tex-
lib”. All of its programs constitute a library of service
routines and general applications, “old” contains:

subs | if filenaroe:eqs:*null goto !fail
ergo Ifail old |filenaroe|
faU = 'f' |*svmd| return
.'fail faii='t' |*svmd| return

The error forms for “goto” and “call" verbs are
“ergoto” (or “ergo”) and “ercall” (or “erca”). They
are obeyed only if anything following them (on the
same line) fails. This permits “failsoft” operation
and recovery from failures. In this case a failure to
get the requested file sets the variable "fail” to
“t", and returns.

A comma and the letter “q”, for “query”, follow
the name of the wanted file. This gets us a snap-
shot copy of the file even if someone else is then
changing it. If even this should somehow fail,
"ouch” is called to repair the situation.

d In any lengthy process, it’s sensible to advise the
user (even yourself) how it is going. All "#” charac-
ters are replaced by Horizontal Tab:

“rs:” means replace the string

means do it the following number of times
means all

means with the character following

When the process reaches end-of-file, "b” means
back up to the beginning. After this is done, another
advisory message.

e The library program “datehead” prefaces the cur-
rent file with a message “This display requested
by (your name) on (the date) at (the time)”. It’s
always useful to do this, to distinguish among
several versions or runs, “ib” stands for "insert

OCTOBER 1978

before” (the current line) a line that has the con-
tent enclosed in the delimiters,
f After that line (but still before the first current
line), two more lines are inserted. One tells the
formatting program to replace all characters " A "
with incompressible spaces; the next gives the tab
stop positions.

g Now the content of "filename” is changed to
“sink”, which is where we wish to keep the in-
termediate results of our process. The library pro-
gram “resa” (for resave) puts the current file into
"sink”, and the variable “restart” is set to 1.
h Now we can tell the user that he can restart, and
how to do it. Suppose something goes wrong just
after this point. Per instructions the user would
enter “call alphatel! restart”,
dd The program would recommence execution at the
label “restart”, which sets the substitution (subs)
mode with the $ sign. We can’t continue on this same
line because all substitution in a line is done before
any execution of the line begins. So the subs mode
must always be set one line prior to its usage,
ee Now the value of “restart" gets substituted, and in
this case we go to line "I”,
k Line “I" is skipped, and control is at line "m”.

I If we had to restart, the correct file position is

located by finding the line starting with “.tab”,
m Three lines are inserted. One is a dummy to stand
for the eventual heading, and two cause spaces in
the display program.

n “separate" separates the last name starting with
"A” from the first starting with “B”, etc., and puts
the starting letters in the gaps, "widow” does the
paging, ensuring at the same time that no new initial
letter group starts unless there are at least three
entries in that group before a new page begins,
o Another “we're still here and working" message,
p The dummy heading "*hd" is replaced by the real
one, which is specified in lines "p” through
“v”. The ".break” commands force new lines,
u This yields a continuous underline in photo-
composition.

INTERFACE AGE 127

SOFTWARE SECTION

SOFTWARE TUTORIAL

w This simulates the extra Return to show that the
replacement is complete.

x Back to beginning of file, which is put into “sink”
in the new and modified form,
y The restart count is bumped up, and control goes
to line "aa”.

aa “formsink” automatically formats the file and puts
it in "sink”. The ASCII line printer routine is set by
“a”, and the file to print is identified,
bb “id” specifies whose file "sink", and “bill" is for
timesharing charges.

cc The only variable left unspecified is “howmany",
so the “print” program is called at that entry point.
After that starts, the subs mode is turned off, and
the program ends.

MAKING THE ORIGINAL MAIL CONTROL FILE

The goal is to create a new file (called “telmail”) by ex-
tracting the name and address from each line entry. On-
ly programs (not people) access this file for modifica-
tion, so the "#” character is unnecessary. The file entry
format is:

name HT address\.1 .16.5.23.38.14.

This means that this individual’s name occurs on
special mailing lists 1, 16, 5, 23, 38, and 14. The periods
delimit the list numbers uniquely. But this is after
"telmail" has been processed many times. The original
format is:

name HT address\.

Figure 2 is the program that builds “telmail” originally.

inakeaail out: *lf, "Starting 'makemail 1 at ",*ti*e,*lf a
clear * call ‘.setup ht=*ht call Ifixup b

inameit ib:*cl:("This file created ",*date) |official| c
‘.name it_aga in |suffix| d
fi lename=s ink name |make_newjelse | goto !nameit__again e
| exi tl | f
out: M *" / sinkna(l»e/ ,, contain name and address" |exit2| g

! fixup f i lena*e=”telbook,q" | ge t i 1 1 h

out:"Have the file" d:"**"";* b i
Jlineloop ro:"#";3:*rs scan:*cl:*r$ j
r:*c l: (*l •>"#",ht / *r , >"#","\. M ) f;1 |eof| k
goto Jlineloop l

! setup cant=\b out: "Can’t find ",_name goto !match\ ■
bump=\count=count+1 nai»e="n",count\ t=\in:"List number\ n
what_no=t,\is? " tag=*in if (*in>“*n) :ne:*lin gotoN o
of f icial=\out:"For the official ‘telmail 1 , just CR"\ p
t=\in:"Else what suffix? " sinkname=*userid,"/telmai l"\ q
suff ix=t,\,*in if *lin:eq:0 sinknaoe="the/telmai l"\ r
exit2=\nocase nosubs out:*lf,"Done at ",*time return\ s
exit1*\if fail out:*lf,"No action is taken. "\,exit2 t
if_yes=\if *in*31 :eqs:"V" \ u
retrya\in:"Try another suffix? " \,if__yes v
t a \if fail out:"A file ‘’^sinkname,"* \ w
doesnt=t,\does not exist." \ does=t,\already exists." \ x
get_it=\call texlib/old \ »ake_new=\call texlib/save \ y
ge t_i t_e Is e=ge t i t , does nt , re t ry 2
make_new__else=make new, does, retry aa
null_cf=Ycall texlTb/new\ put_away=\cal l texlib/resa\ bb
eof=\if *eof b return\ case subs | return cc

Figure 2. The program "makemail”

In explanation of Figure 2:

b The subprogram “setup” (lines “m” through “c")
defines variables to have certain procedures as
content. Used by most of the component pro-
grams in the mail system, they are explained as
encountered. They compact the programs and
make them easier to read and to understand.

The variable "ht” is defined to be the Horizontal
Tab character. The program is called at the label
“fixup”.

h “telbook” is gotten as the current file, again on a
snapshot basis, “get it” is a procedure. Fora dif-
ferent computer we would redefine “get it" to be

the corresponding procedure. Thus the kernel of
the mail program is portable,
i After a “working” message, all lines starting “ AAA ”
are deleted. They are the redundant entries for
secretaries listed following the people they work
with. Back to beginning of file,
j A loop operating on ail remaining lines, "ro”
means “replace occurrence". So the third occur-
rence of the "#” character is replaced by a Record
Separator character. The current line is then scanned
on that character.

k Both left and right parts are kept only as far as the
first "#” encountered, and adjoined by the content
of “ht”, which was a HT character. The two charac-
ters “\.” are placed at string end, and the entire
string replaces the original line. The pointer is
moved to the following line. If an end-of-file signal
is received, the process returns to line “c”.

I Else it’s repeated until the entire file is converted,

c For the record, an identifying line is inserted auto-

matically at the beginning of file. Then the user is
asked if it’s the official telmail file he’s making,
d If he replies with just a CR to "Else what suffix?”,
it will be the official file. Else it will be a personal
copy for private purposes. E.g., for a list of the
rockhounds, or equestrians. That file name is the
contant of “sinkname”.

e The file this program will make should not exist
yet. So an attempt to create it is made. If it fails, a
message says that a file of that name already ex-
ists, and would you like to change your mind about
the suffix?

f If the user gives up, the creation attempt was still
a failure, and the program closes by saying that no
action was taken.

g With success, we are so notified, and the process
is wrapped up and complete.

UPDATING THE MAIL CONTROL FILE

People leave, and new people come. Those still there
get transferred or moved to new offices. And so the con-
tent of the telephone directory changes — particularly
the address (mail station in this case). Periodic updates
of two types are desirable:

•Frequent microfiche copies, or online interrogation,
for the switchboard operator.

•Less frequent photocomposed and published copies
for all employees.

The programs of this article were motivated in part by
failures to get mailing lists changed or corrected by
human procedures, often even after two years. And
when I converted the old punch card system for the tele-
phone directory, the process turned up six deceased, a
woman who had left four years ago for motherhood, and
a fictitious "Fred Fortran” in Manufacturing!

128 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

SOFTWARE SECTION

SOFTWARE TUTORIAL

Figure 3 shows the program "update", which updates
the file “telmail" for currency and correct address con-
tent, while preserving the existing mailing list mem-
bership data.

[update out:*lf,"Starting 'update' at ”,*time,*lf a
clear * call isetup |official| b
!update_again |suftix| c
ht=*ht,*us call '.fixup d
fitename=*;sinkname |get_it_else| goto !update_aga in e
/exitll f
out:"Have both files" sort *;*: (A25) (A1 ) g
out:"These names are new, in case you" h
out:" wish to add them to any list.",»lf f;1 i
call ! just 1 b rs:ht;*:*ht f i lename=s inkname |put awayl j
call llistold out: ,sinkname,"’ updated" |exit7| k

ljusti | eof | l
scan:*cl:ht if *lm:eq:0 cut;1 goto ljusti m
inew nname=*l f;1 scan:*cl:ht n
if *lm:ne:0 out:nname goto Inew 0
if nname:eqs:*l scan:*r:"\." d b;1 a:*r f;1 goto ljusti p
cut;1 out:nname goto ljusti q

llistold |null_cf| b paste b a;*:"|" b cuts:"\.|";* b r
out:"These names are no longer valid." s
out:" Rerun indicated lists to remove them.",*lf t
p;» paste return u

Figure 3. The program “update”

In explanation of Figure 3:

b With line “c”, the same procedures used in mak-
ing the original telmail file.

d Now the same creation process (“fixup”) is ap-
plied, except that this time the variable “ht” has
the extra Unit Separator in it.
e The filename is defined to adjoin the new file just
made with the old file. We wish to transfer the
mailing list identifications from the old file to the
new, scrapping the old entries. Again, existence is
controlled by the procedures. If we wish to give up,
that happens via the “exitl" procedure in line “f”.
g A “working” notice. The sort procedure is called.
The Unit Separator, as a control character, collates
low to any graphic. Thus when the same person
appears in both new and old files, the new entry
precedes when the two files are sorted together.

The sort verb reads "Sort the current file (*) into
the current file (i.e., in situ); an alphabetic field of
the first 25 characters is defined as the first sort
key; sort ascending (A) on the first field”,
h With line “i", a signal that there may be names in the
telephone directory now that weren’t in there before,
j The subprogram “justl” is called to ensure that
double entries have the information transferred to
the new entry, and to delete old entries without a
corresponding new.

I If end-of-file, return.

m Scan for “ht”, which still contains the Unit Separa-
tor. If the length of 'middle is zero, we didn’t find
it, so the line is an OLD entry. In that case we cut it
from the file (it is added to a separate “cut” file,
and thus deleted from the current file) and go back
to try the next line for a new entry,
n If we get here we have a NEW entry, “nname” is
the new name. The next line is inspected to see if
it is a matching OLD entry.

o If “ht” is found it’s a NEW, not OLD, entry. So the
previous entry was a new listing in the phone
book, and “nname" is printed out according to the

cover message of lines “h” and “i”. Back to try
again for a pair.

p Now there is a NEW-OLD pair. Do they match? If so,
the tag information is picked up from the OLD entry
as *r. The OLD entry is deleted; a backup of one line
points to the NEW entry. “a:*r” means put *r after
the text of the current line. That entry is now fixed,
and we go to the next line to repeat the process,
q If we get here, it’s a peculiar coincidence that a
new person and one no longer in the directory just
happen to be adjacent in the .ordering. The OLD
one is cut, and the new one printed. Upon end-of-
file we go back to finish line “j”.
j Back to beginning of file, which now contains only
NEW entries, “ht” is replaced in each line by HT,

TEX is. . .useful for prototyping
applications that might eventually
be done in compiler-type
languages. It checks out design
and human interfaces fast. Most
debugging is done. . .on live data.

and the file is resaved.

k Having listed all new (added) names during the
process, in case they should go on any mailing
lists, we call the subprogram “listold”, to print the
names to be removed from the source mailing lists,
r A null current file is made per line “cc” of Figure 2.
The cut file is pasted to it. After every line we put a
vertical bar character, and back to beginning. Now
all lines containing the string “\.|" are cut, because
if such a string is found the entry is not on any list,
so why bother to tell anyone? And to the beginning
again.

s With line “t", tells the user what will be listed,

u “p;*” means "print all lines”. The cut file is pasted

just to clear it out for future processes. Return to
line “k” and wrap-up of the process.

ichnglist out:»lf /'Changing list at ",»t ime,*lf goto !sk a
inewlist out:*lf, "Adding list at ",*time,*lf b
!sk clear * call isetup c
!list_no |what_no| !list_no d
f i lename="mai l~,tag |get_it| count=0 p;2 f;1 e
call [vector | of f i ci a l | f
isuf | suf f i x | g
filename=sinkname |get_it_else| goto isuf h
|exit1| ’
rs: C'.",tag,". b count=0 call imatch |put awayl j
out: ,sinkname,"’ updated by 'ma i l", tag,"'" |exTt2| k

(vector if ‘*eof |bump| _name=»cl'<-" " f;1 goto '.vector l
limit=count out:”'mai l", tag,’" names vectored." return m

imatch if limit:eq: count return n
|bump| scan:_name:"," if *lm:eq:0 call iexception o
last=*l,*m f:last if *eof b f:last if »eof leant | p
call [components M="A" q
U1=U3 A1=A3 L1=L3 W2“W4 A2=AA L2=L4 max=0 linect*0 r
! last loop scan:*cl:'V" s
if (»l,*®> :nes: last call ihigh goto imatch t

Figure 4. Branched to next page

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 129

SOFTWARE SECTION

SOFTWARE TUTORIAL

Figure 4. Vectored from previous page

scan:*r:*ht split:*l:0 call (components n=0 u
if L2:ne:0 if L4:ne:0 call Iregionl goto lhave_it v
if L2 : eq : 0 if L4:eq:0 call !region4 goto !have_it v
!regi on23 del=1 M="A" if Ll:gt:1 if L3:gt:1 del=3 M="W" *
if |M| 1 :eqs: |M|3 n=del if n:eq:3 goto !have_it y
if L2:eq:0 W2=U1 A2=A1 V3=W4 A3=A4 z
del=1 if L2 : gt : 1 if L3:gt:1 del=3 M="M" aa
if |N|2:eqs: |M|3 if del:gt:n n=del bb

(have it n*n*1 000+900-1 inect if n:gt:max max=n cc
if ("000", max) 'C3:eq:6 call ‘high goto !»atch dd
linect=linect+1 f;1 goto (lastloop ee

•high t=(900-maxC'3) if max: lt:1000 b;t |cant| return ff
b f : last f;t a:(tag,"."> b;t return gg

Iregionl del = 1 if L2:gt:1 if L4:gt:1 del = 3 M="W" hh
if |M|2:nes:|M|4 return

n=del M="A" jj

!region4 del=1 if L1:gt:1 if L3:gt:1 del»3 H="W" kk
if |M|1:nes:|M|3 n=0 return ll
n=n+de l return l " 1 "

(components scann:*r:" " split:*r:1 A3=*l scan:*r:*uc nn
W3=(A3,»l) ’<*a A4=*r']1 W4=*r'<*a L3=U3>*sub L4=W4>*sub oo
if L3:gt:1 scan:W3:" " if *lm:ne:0 call (exception pp
if L4:gt:1 scan:W4:" " if *lm:ne:0 call (exception qq
return <’ r

Figure 4. The program “newlist”

SETTING UP A NEW MAILING LIST

Figure 4 is the program “newlist”, used to add indica-
tions for a new mailing list, and to update an existing
but changed list. Refinements could be made for faster
operation and more elegant decisions for search termi-
nations. But that gets too large to show here!

In explanation of Figure 4:

c With line “d”, the standard procedure to begin.

d “what no” (Figure 2, line “o”), permits no reply

except digits. It does so by scanning the input for
a character not a digit. If the count is less than
total length, it’s not all digits,
e The designated mailing list is brought as the cur-
rent file. The first two lines (identifying data) are
printed. Then we move to the first name to find,
f The subprogram "vector” puts each name of the
mailing list into one variable of a vector, the names
of which run from “nl” to “ni”.

I If not done, “bump" (Figure 2, line “n") ups the
subscript count 1 and makes the content of "name"
the current line with any righthand spaces re-
moved. The process loops on this single line until
end-of-file.

m When the whole file is assigned, the last value of
“count” is assigned to “limit”, so the stepping pro-
cess can be reconstructed. A message, and return,
g With lines “h” and “I", a familiar process,
j The old indicator for this mailing list (number and
bracketing periods) is replaced by a single period
everywhere it occurs. If it’s a new list being added,
none are found. The count is reinitialized to use the
name vector in the matching process, and it is called,
n If the count is at limit, the name vector is exhausted.

Return to line “j”, save the modified file, wrap-up.
o The name string is broken on the comma, which is
critical in two ways: 1) If there isn’t any we have a
problem, and must execute "exception” (not shown).

p 2) The comma must be included in “last” for the
search, else we might think that “Johns" was
found when it was actually "Johnson”.

If not found, backup to file beginning, in case
the file may be in wrong sequence. But if such a
last name still isn’t found, the "cant” procedure
(Figure 2, line "m”) is executed. It takes the pro-
gram back to the label “match”, for the next name,
q "components” is called to obtain the first and mid-
dle names or initials. “M” is set to “A”, which iden-
tifies the name of initials. Whole names use “W”.
nn ‘right, including all but the last name, is scanned for
not space. This handles 0 to n spaces after a comma.

W3 and W4 the first and middle names. L3 and
L4 will be their lengths in characters, and A3 and
A4 the initials of those names.

The first initial must be the first character. It could
be followed by another capital, a period, a space,
or small letters of the complete name (which could
also have a period, like “Jas." and “Jno.").

“A3” is the beginning capital of the first name,
‘right is broken for/'fs ‘right to begin with a capital,
oo The initial and residual up to the middle name are
scanned from the right for the first letter, removing
blanks or other punctuation between the given
names. “A4” is the beginning capital of the middle
name, and the middle name is found in the same way.
pp If not an initial, the first name is checked. If it con-
tains a space the exception subprogram is called.
Line "qq” does the same for the middle name,
rr Back to complete line “q”.
r "components” works on names in the address file,
where the "3” and "4” subscripts are used. In this
case it is serving a vectored name, and the sub-
scripts are changed to "1 ” and "2”. “linect”, set to
0, is the count (from the first occurrence of the sur-
name) where the best match is found.

“max” is the highest “n" found for any set of
given names. RULE: If both names are present,
count 3 for a full name match, 1 for an initial match,
for each name (maximum of 6 is possible). If one or
the other middle name is missing, match the exist-
ing middle name against the other first name if the
first match fails.

s A loop to pick up the surname in the list “telmail”.

t If no match, the set of wanted surnames is ex-

hausted. Do the subprogram “high” to pick the
best fit so far. Then get the next vectored name,
u The address is stripped, and the given names sub-
jected to “components” after the value is initialized,
v If both middle names/initials exist, “regionl” is
called to match them. It continues into “region4”
to match first names/initials,
w If only first names for both, "region4".
x “del" is the scoring value. It’s 1 except if both
names are not initials, in which case it’s 3, and we
compare whole names (W) instead of initials (A),
y The test is made. If pass, “n" is set to the value. If
it is 3, the first names had a full match, and there is
no use checking crosswise to a middle name. E.g.,
"Quitecontrary, Mary Mary”,
z We must match first against the existing middle.
This line effects interchange for one of the two
conditions, so that lines “aa” and “bb” work for
both cases.

aa The same value setting, initial or full name,
bb If a match, and a higher value than we have so far,
the higher is it. E.g., matching “A. Andrew” to “An-
drew”, the middle name is a better match.

130 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

SOFTWARE SECTION

SOFTWARE TUTORIAL

cc We get here by falling through for regions 2 and 3,
by a “goto” from regions 1 and 4. The value is put
in the 4th position by multiplying by 1000; the line
count is decremented from 900 (in this case the
maximum of a single surname that can be tested.
It is decremented so that the first individual with
the highest value is the match. If “n" is higher than
the old maximum, it becomes the new maximum,
dd 6 is the highest possible value. Stop looking,
ee Else up the line count, go forward to the next name
to test, and repeat.

ff "t” is the line count for the maximum. But if we
didn’t get a value of at least 1, there is no match at all.
gg To beginning of file again. Find the surname once
more, and move forward (count) lines. After that
entry append the list number and another period.
Back up to the first of that surname and retry.

MAKING THE MAILING LIST TO USE

Figure 5 is a program “display", which makes a cover
sheet, or labels, as the directing medium for a specific list.

idisplay out:*lf, "Starting ‘display 1 at ",*time,*lf a
clear • call isetup (official I b
!display_again | suffix | c
filena®e=sinkname |get_it_else| goto !di splay_again d
lexitl) e
!list2 |uhat_no| ! Iist2 f
cuts:<".", tag, |null_cf| g
b paste b d;1 a;*:*rs b ds:"\",*rs;* b h
in:“Want labels? " |if_yes| call ilabels |exit2| i
call icover |exit2| j

icover in:"Want in aail station order? " k
|if_yes| call !ms_order sort *;*:(A4)CA1) l
if *1n*jltnes:"Y" call !no order n
ib:*cl: ("Mai ling List No. ^tag) i:*cl:“ " n
b p-’n" cols=2 n=50 see-'n" call tex lib/n-up!bf o
filename-'sink" |put_away| p
out:"List is in your file 'sink* " a
oot:"You may use 'texlib/2print sink(n)', or" r
in:"list at the terminal? ” |if_yes| b p;» s
return t

!ms_order |eof| u
scan:*cl:*ht pre=»l split:*r:1 v
r:»cl:(»l,(" ",*r)['3," ",pre> f;1 goto !ms_order u

!no_order |eof| x
scan:*cl:*ht r:*cl:(C*l," ")']25,*r y
f;1 goto !no_order a

Figure 5. The program “display”

In explanation of Figure 5:

a Through line "f”, standard practices of the pre-
vious programs.

g All lines containing the indication for the wanted
mailing list are cut from the current file. A null file
is created.

h The cut lines are pasted, and the first line of the
file (a dummy blank) is deleted. A Record Separator
(*rs) is put after each line. Then all strings between
“\” and RS are deleted. This destroys all of the list
indicators, leaving only name and address.

i if labels are wanted, that program (not shown) is
called, and the process ended.

j Else the subprogram “cover” is called.

k An option is given.

I If accepted, the subprogram "ms order” is called.

u At end-of-file, a return upon process completion,
v Else the line is broken on the HT character. The
single letter prefix (in this particular scheme) is
split off.

w The line is reconstructed and replaced. Now the
address is in front, the numeric part of the address
is right-justified, and the names are all left-justified.
Go to the next line, and repeat until end-of-file.
m If the option wasn’t accepted, the lines must still
be conditioned.

y The lines are split. Blank spaces are inserted and
truncated so that the addresses will be left-justified,
z To the next line, and repeat until done,
n The identification is put into the first line of the
list, followed by a blank line,
o Four parameter values are present for the general-
purpose program "n-up”, so that it may be called
at the label “bf" (for “brief”), and thus avoid inter-
active questioning. The value “n” for “see” means
that we do not wish to see the process working.
The name list is formed into two columns of 50
lines per page.

p The formatted list is put into “sink”,
q We are told that.

r And how to print it with the line printer if desired,

s Else we have the option to print it at the terminal.

ADVANTAGES OF TEX

The user gets many bonuses from using TEX, many of
which are not always expected:

•Application programs are compact. Most fit on a
single page, in one field of view. This aids the human
mind in comprehension. No thumbing back and forth.

•That means they also consume less storage.

•And there is less to change when you want to modify
a program.

Our Dick Petersen made a database entry program
and showed it to the people that had to do the work
every day. Each suggested redesign to their prefer-
ences, plus some needs Dick had not foreseen. He
was back in an hour, with the program running their
way (a service few users get from programmers that
use other languages)! Naturally they were disposed
to use it. And their productivity immediately more
than doubled!

•Plan-ahead and structured programming, although
surely desirable, are not so vital. With TEX, I usually
find it easier to jump right in and build a part, think-
ing meanwhile about the whole. I can always change
both programs and file formats with very little effort,
if that appears necessary. In the jargon of the soft-
ware engineers, one can move easily back and forth
between “bottom-up" and “top-down" methods.

•Programs are easy to cannibalize for other, but re-
lated, purposes.

•TEX is also useful for prototyping applications that
might eventually be done in compiler-type languages.
It checks out design and human interfaces fast.

•Responses to data entry prompts are easy to validate
for type, size, etc. And it’s simple to human-engineer
a helpful request for re-entry.

•Most debugging is done quickly on live data, rather
than waiting for a lengthy compilation process with
vast output.

In ending this series on TEX, I’d like to say that I have
been a programmer for over 29 years, and I’ve never felt
before that so much problem-solution power was avail-
able for me to use so easily.D

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 131

SOFTWARE SECTION

SOFTWARE APPLICATION

GP Monitor for M6800

The GP Monitor Ver 2.1 written for the Motorola
M6800 uses only the INEEE (EIAC..) and OUTEE (EIDI..)
Software UART subroutines in the MC6830 L7 ROM.
These vectors can be changed as required to any input
routine and output routine that does not alter the B or X
registers. The input routine must mask Bit 7 of the A
register.

e.g.:

AND A #%01111111
RTS

The Monitor is tucked away at the very top of contiguous
RAM in each version. Four versions are supplied:

4K, 8K, 16K, 32K

The Monitor occupies the uppermost 4C1u bytes in
each version and is protected against accidental altera-
tion by the Monitor subroutines (the DANGER subrou-
tine is used extensively).

The result is a virtually fool-proof general purpose
Monitor useful for a variety of applications.

The Monitor accepts 18 commands from an ASCII ter-
minal connected to an M6800 system using the
MCM6830 L7 MIKBUG ROM.

When resident, the Monitor accepts input commands
described as follows:

The CP Monitor has two modes of operation:
COMMAND MODE / EXECUTION MODE

The user may input two-character mnemonics which
causes the Monitor to perform the selected operation.
Once the operation has been performed, the Monitor re-
enters command mode. All command mnemonics are
followed by a comma delimiter. All address blocks are
separated by commas.

e.g.:

MM, 0000, 03FF, 1000

Valid commands are:

LD

Load Data

TM

Test Memory

DD

Dump Data

LT

Load a Tape

LM

Load Memory

PT

Punch a Tape

DM

Dump Memory

PB

Punch a BNPF Tape

SB

Search for a Byte

CO

Calculate HEX Offsets

SW

Search for a Word

MM

Move Memory Block

cs

Call a Subroutine

CM

Clear Memory

CA

Convert ASCII

(ESC, ESC)

Go To Alternate Monitor

PI

Call Program #1

P2

Call Program #2

LOAD DATA INTO

MEMORY

LD.DDDD D is Destination Start Address

Load data as input on terminal and store into memory
starting at location DDDD. Each input increments stor-
age pointer. If data is not stored into RAM (e.g. ROM),
routine ABORTS and Command Mode are reentered.

To terminate a string of data, press ESCape key. Ter-
minal responds by printing AAAA BB, where A is next
available storage address and B is HEX count of charac-
ters entered (up to FF(255)).

DUMP ASCII DATA FROM MEMORY

DD.SSSS S is start address of dump

Dump data from memory to terminal starting at loca-
tion S and ending when an EOT (04m) is encountered.
When EOT occurs, Monitor returns to command mode.

LOAD MEMORY WITH HEX DATA

LM.SSSS S is start address of storage

e.g.: SSSS = 0000
Terminal responds by:

0010, NEXT LINE (16 Bytes)

Enter comma, etc.

Whenever an exit is desired, hit ESC key and Monitor
returns to command mode.

DUMP MEMORY HEX DATA

DM.SSSS.EEEE S - Starting Address

E - Ending Address

Terminal responds with:

0000 11 22 33 -- 00

0010 11 22 ETC

until Ending address is reached and Monitor returns to
command mode.

SEARCH FOR AN 8 BIT BYTE IN MEMORY

SB,SSSS,EEEE,DD S - Start Address

E - End Address
D - Data pattern in HEX

Terminal prints address of each location that con-
tains DD within the S - E range.

SEARCH FOR A 16 BIT WORD IN MEMORY

SW, SSSS, EEEE, DDDD S - Start Address

E - End Address
D - Data pattern in HEX

Terminal prints address of each point in memory that
contains two successive 8 bit bytes DDDD.

CALL A SUBROUTINE FROM MONITOR

CS.DDDD D- Address of Subroutine

Subroutine (or another program) executes, and if termi-
nated with a 39>s (RTS), Monitor reenters command mode.

CONVERT ASCII TO HEX EQUIVALENT

CA,A A - Any Valid ASCII

Character

Terminal prints HEX equivalent, and Monitor returns
to command mode.

TEST MEMORY ROUTINE

TM, SSSS, EEEE S - Start Address

E - End Address

Routine responds by clearing locations S through E
inclusive. If at any time the start address of the GP
Monitor is reached, program aborts and Monitor com-
mand mode is reentered.

When memory is cleared, program sequentially incre-
ments memory and tests for valid result. This is done for
all 256 combinations per bytes for all memory locations
selected. An 8K RAM requires about two minutes to test.

132 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

SOFTWARE SECTION

SOFTWARE APPLICATION

4K • 8K ■ 16K or 32K Configuration

Any error in memory causes terminal to print address
where error occurred.

When routine finishes, Monitor returns to command
mode.

LOAD A HEX FORMATTED OBJECT TAPE

(Must Be Continguous Data)

LT.DDDD D - Start Address of

Contiguous Memory

Object tape is loaded into memory until S9 is read.
Monitor returns to command mode.

PUNCH FOLD-MARK FORMATTED PAPER TAPE

PT,SSSS,EEEE S - Start Address

E - End Address

Terminal with paper tape punch outputs object tape
with 8 V 2 " rubout fold marks.

Leaders and trailers are written to tape with S9 termi-
nator included.

PUNCH A BNPF FORMATTED OBJECT TAPE

PB,SSSS,EEEE S - Start Address

E - End Address

Terminal punches paper tape suitable for most Intel
MDS prom-programming system readers.

Leaders, foldmarks and trailers are written to tape.

CALCULATE HEX OFFSET

0010 20 HERE BRA THERE

(30) CO, 001 0,0042 30

ANSWER PRINTED
BY TERMINAL

0042 20 THERE BRA HERE

(CC) CO, 0042, 0010 CC

ANSWER PRINTED
BY TERMINAL

When finished, Monitor returns to command mode.

If branch is out of range, terminal prints an X, and
Monitor reenters command mode.

MOVE A BLOCK OF CONTIGUOUS MEMORY

MM,SSSS,EEEE,DDDD S - Source Start Address

E - Source End Address
D - Destination Start
Address

Terminal prints destination end address when block
move is complete and Monitor reenters command mode.

CLEAR CONTIGUOUS MEMORY BLOCK

CM,SSSS,EEEE S - Start Address

E - End Address

Routine sets all bits in all memory locations to zero. If
Monitor starting address is reached, program aborts and
Monitor reenters command mode.

PI Call user Program #1
User selected Address

P2 Call user Program #2
User selected Address

(ESC, ESC) Escape, Escape

Jump to alternate Monitor

□

By William E. Warren

GP MONITOR 4K VERSION

2TS00800004D4F4E49 544F5220AC

SI I E093E8LA0428D32BD0C2ECE0BOFEI 032604AI 0 1 270E060838088C0C2726D3
SI lE08S9EFBD0BBD28DFEE02AD0020D9CL08687E0FCC9DCA000?C0FF0C000eCl
SI I E0B7 404SDEECE0B7C20EC524541 44593E043DI9CLC88C6DDE20B22A2A2A05
SI 1 E0B8F41 424F52542A2A2A24SC0B3E27E639FFA04A8O0E9 ICE2BAC8DBF7E9E
SI I EPBAA0CB20D0A0000004552524F522041 54202D2034CE08C37EOFCC204949
SI IE0BC54E564I4C494420434F4D4D414E442004C6404F6D0FFA5A26F9394CF7
SI IE0BE0440CF344440D2I 4C4D0D26444D0D8853420D68434DOOS54353BC9D9D
SI IE0BFB4D4DOCBB53570D944C540E70SC54OEO5S44D9E2S434FeDE3434l0EA5
SI I E0C I 6621 Bl BE0D050420F64503I 0B3E50320B3EFF7E0B8 37E0B3EBD0FFD42
SI 1 E0C3 1 1 67E0FFD88302B0F8 I 09 2F2A8 I 1 I 28078 I I 62 E0 36007 398 I EB26DC9D
SI 1E0C4C20DD8DE220E337BDF948484848I68DF2IB36BBA0SEB7AC5E32333943
SI 1 E0C67 37368DE7 I 68DE4CEA04AE700A70 1 EE003233398DB68 I IB27AB6I2CDS
SI 1 E0C8226F6398DF320C98DEF20DA8DFAFFA04E8DF5FFA8508DF0FFA0523993
SI 1 E8C9D6DEAAD007E9B3E8DE3FFA058SODEFFA05A39BD9865CLA04A7E0FF6EI
SI 1 E0C866DD3FEA04EA600BCA0 5027 1 908FFA04EFEA052BD0B98A700AI 2027 8B
SI IE0CD3037E0BS308FFA05220DDFEA052A700BD0FF2CEA0527E0FF67E0CB952
SI I E0CEE7E0C7A20B 1 8DF67FA05F8D0FFD6 I I 827 I AFEA04ABD0B98A700A I C0DB
SI I E0D0927037E0B8 308FFA04A7CA0SF270220DF8D9486A0SF7E0F4 68DC87L8 5
SI I E0D240FCCBDC37FA05FBO0CAF8DBE8D0C527 CA0SFFEA04ABD0896A700A I IE
SI I E0D3F0027037E0B8 308FFA04AB6A0SF8 1 1 027D38D0FF220D88O9AFEA6SS53
SI I E0D5ABD0B966F008CA05A27030820F3398D67 FEA0S8FFA04ABD0C8S I 6FE22
SI IE0D7 SA04AA6001 12708BCA0SA27E60620F3FFA04A37BD0CAF33FEA04A20DE
SI I E0D90F07 E0C8D8DFBFEA04EBCA0 5927 C9A680E60I 81 A0 52269 5F I A0 5327 C7
SI IE0DAB03082OEAFFA04A08FFA04EBD0CAF20D98D0CA4FEA0S8FFA04A8D0CAE
SI IL9DC6AF8610B7A05FFEA04A098CA95A279208BD0FF0FFA04A7AA05F26EB7C
SI I E0OEI 20DEBD0CA4 5FSA5AFEA058B6A058B I A05A22 1 SB6A0S9B I A0SB228D6S
SI I E0DFCBCAO5A27 I 508 5CC 180271 620F38CA0SA2708095AC 1 7 F270920F3BD69
SI IE0EI70FF2I 77E0F468D0FF286567 E0FFABD0CA4BD0DS7FEA058A6004CA79 I
SI IE0E320CB7A060E600F7A06I 1 I 2608BCA05A27 1 A0820E8FFA04ABD0B9ECEA9
SI I ECE4DAC6CBD0FF0BD0FF0FEA04AB6A06020O38 I FF26CA39BO0C7ABD0FFDC8
SI I E0E66368D0FF2327E0F468D0C89FFA04E86I 18DS86 63CB78007BD0FFD8 1 6D
SI I E0E8 35326F9BD0FFE6 1 31 27 1 181 3926EE8634B760078 61 38O38397E0CS2F2
SI IE0E9E7FA05E8DF880O2B7A05DBD0C67FEA04E8DE8BD0B987AA05D2709A7BB
SI 1 E0EB900A1 00260B0820EDFFA04E7CA05E27B6863F8D058OC27E0B9E7E8F95
SI 1 E0ED4FA8D0CA4B6 1 28 DF 68D0BD5FEA058FFA04CB6A0SBB0A04DF6A0 SAF2CF
SI I E0EEFA04C26048 1202502861 F8BC4B7A05C8003B7A05DBD3365CE0F6I 8DC0
SI IE0F0A0FCC7FA05ECLA05C8D39CEA04C8D44FEA04C8D2F7AA05O26F9FFA07A
SI I E0F254C73A05ECEA05E8DI FFEA04C09BCA05A26AL8 6538D978 6396D938D62
SI I E0F40P8D586I 4208C3630BD0FE3323937BD0FE309L60008FBA0SEF7A05E21
SI 1 E0F5B3339SDEE20ECS33 1 04BD0CA4FEA0SA08 FFA04E8 61 2BD0FFA8D0BD5A7
SI 1 E0F7 68D2C2003BD0B65C60686426D77FEA658BCA0SA27 I I A60008FFA0S830
SI I E0F9 1 8DI B86468D63SA26E520DEC6648D068 6 1 420S6C64D8 6FF8D50SA26B8
SI 1E0FACF9 3937C608360C46SA26FAC608 324624068 6S08D3920048 64E8D3329
SI 1 E0FC7 SA26EF3339A6008 I 0427F96D260820F58 40F8 1 0923023B078B3020 66
SI 1 E0FE2I7A600474747476DECA6000820E70DFI 862020048DE820F67EE1DI E3
S 1 060FFD7 EEI ACE2
S9030000FC

GPMONITOR8K VERSION

2T500B00004D4F4E49 S44FS229AC

SI I EIB3E8EA0428D32BDI C2ECEI BOFEI 002634A1 0 1 27 0E03030B088C I C27 2 693
SI IEIBS9EFBDIBBD20DFEE02AD0020D9CEIB6B7EI FCC0D0A000000 FF000020B I
SI IEI874045DEECE1B7C20ECS24S4144593E048D19CEIBSC8DDE20B22A2A2AD5
SI 1 El B8F4I 424F52542A2A2A048C I B3E27E639 FFA04ABDI E9 I CE 1 BAC8DBF7 E5E
SI l EIBAA1 CB20D0A0000O04552S24F522041 S4202D2004CE I BC37E I FCC204909
SI I EIBC54E564I 4C49 4420434F4D4O4I 4E442004C6404FBDI FFASA26F9394CD7
SI I EIBE044I CF344441 D2I 4C4DI D26444DI DBBS342 1 D68434D I DSS43S3 1 C901 D
SI I E1BFB4D4DI CB853S7 1 D944C54I E70S0S4I EDS544DI E2S434FIDE3434I I E25
SI I El Cl 662 I Bl BE0D05042I F64S03I I83ES032183EFF7EIB837E1B3E8D1FFOD2
SI I El C 31 I 67EI FFD60302B0F8 I 092F0A8 1 I 1 2B078 I 1 62E038007 396 I EB26DC7D
SI I El C4C20DD8DE220E337BDF9484848 48 I 68DF21836BBA05EB7ACSE32333933
SI 1 El C67 3736BDE7I 68DE4CEA04AL700A70 1 EE00323339SDB68 I 1327AB812CC5
SI 1EIC8226F6398DF320C96DEF20DA8DFAFFA04E8DF5FFA0S06DF0FFA0523983
S 1 I El C9D8DEAAD007EI B3E8DE3FFA0S88DDEFFA05A39BD1 B65CEA04A7E1 FF6A I
SI 1 El CB88DD3FEA04EA600BCA0 5027 l 908FFA04EFEA052BDI B98A7 00 A I 0327 60
SI I El CD3037EI B8 308FFA05220DDFEA052A700BDI FF2CEA0527L I FF67EICB902
SI I El CEE7EI C7A20B 1 8DF67FA0SFBDI FFD8 1 I B27 I AFEA04A8D! B98A7 00A 1 30 9B
SI I El D0927037EIB8308FFA04A7CA05F270220DF8D94B6A05F7EI F468DC87E55
SI 1EID24I FCC8DC37FA0SFBDI CAF8DBE8DI C527CA05FFEA04ABD1898A700AI CE
SI I El D3F0027037EI B8308FFA04AB6A0SF8 I I 027D6BD I FF220DB8D9AFEA05823
SI I El DSA8D1B966F00BCA05A27030820F3398D87 FEA058FFA04ABD1 CSS l 6FEF2
SI I El D7 SA04AA600 1 I 27088CA0SA27E60820F3FFA04A37BDI CAF33FEA04A20BE
SI IEID90F07EI C8D8DFBFEA04EBCA0S027C9A600E60 1 Bl A0522 605FI A05327A7
SI 1 El DAB030820EAFFA04A08FFA04E8OI CAF20DSBD1 CA4FLA058FFA04ABD 1 C6E
SI I El DC6AF86I 0B7A05FFLA04A098CA05A2792088D1 FF0FFA04A7AA05F26EB5C
SI I El DEI 20DEBDI CA45F5A5AFEA058B6A058BI A05A22 1 5B6A0S9B 1 A0 SB220D4S
SI I El DFCBCA05A27 1 508SCCI8027 I 620F3BCA05A270B09SAC17 F270920F3BD59
SI I El El 7 I FF2 1 77EI F46BDI FF266587L1 FFABD1 CA4BDI D57 FEA058A6004CA721
SI I El E3200B7A060E600F7A06I I I 2606BCA05A2? I A08 20E8T f A04ABD1B9ECE.B9
SI I El E4DA060BDI FF0BDI FF0FEA04AB6A06020D38 1 FF26CA39BDI C7ABDI FF07 8
SI I El E6836BDI FF2327EI F46BDI C89FFA04L86I 1 8D588 63CB780078D 1 FFD8 1 I D
SI IEIE835326F98DIFFD81 31271 18 I 3926EE8 6348780078 6 1 38 D 39 397 E 1 C52C2
SI 1 El E9E7 FA05E8DF88002B7A0 SDBDI C67FEA04E8DEBBD 1 B987 AA0 5D2709A7 BB
SI I El EB900AI 00260B0820EDFFA0 4E7CA05E27B6863F8D058DC27E 1 89E7E l F6S
SI I El ED4FABDI CA486 1 28DF68DI BDSFLA058 FTA04CB6A05BB0A04DF 6A05AF29F
SI 1 El EEFA04C260 481 202502661 F8B04B7A05C8003B7A05DBDI 8 65CE I F6IBD90
SI IEIF0AIFCC7FA05ECEA0SC8D39CEA04C8D44FEA04C8D2F7AA05D26F9FFA05A
SI I El F254C7 3A85ECEA05E8O1 FFLA04C09BCA05A26AE86536O9786398D93BO52
SI I El F40I BOSS 6 1 4208C3630BDI FE33239378D1 FE309E60808FBA05EF7A05EE1
SI I El F5B 3 3 398DEE20EC5331 04BDI CA4FEA05A08FFA04E861 2BD1 FFABDIBD567
SI I El F768D2C2003BD1 B65C60886428D77FEAC58BCA0 5A27 I I A 60008 FFA0S6 I 0
SI 1 El F9 1 8DI B86468D63SA26E520DEC6648D068 61 420 S6C64D8 6FF8DS05A26A8
SI I El FACF9 39 37 C608 360C465A26FAC603324624068 650603920048 64E8D33 1 9
SI I El FC7 5A26LF3339A6008 I 0427F98D260820F5840F8 1 092 30288078B302056
SI 1 El FE2 1 7A600474747478OECA6000820E78DF 1 8620 20048 DE820F67 EE I OID3
SI061FFD7EEI AC 02
S9030000FC

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 133

SOFTWARE SECTION

SOFTWARE APPLICATION

GP MONITOR 16K VERSION

2TS00OO0004D4F4E49544F5220AC

SI I E303E3EA0428D32BD3C2ECE3BDFE I 3026O4AI 01 270E030609088C3C2726I 3
SI I E3859EFBD3BBD20DFEE02AD0020D9CE386B7£3rCC0D0A000000FF08000O0 I
SI I E307 40 43DEECE3B7C20EC524S4I 4459 3E048DI 9CE386C6DDE20B22A2A2A7 5
SI 1 E3B8F4I 424F52S42A2A2A048 C3B3E27E639FFA04ABD3E9 I CL3BACBDBF7EDE
SI I E38AA3CB2ODOA0000004S52524F52204I 54202D2004CE3BC37E3FCC204989
SME3BCS4E564I4C494420434F4D4D4I4E442004C6404FBD3FFA5A26F9 394C97
SI IE3BI0443CF344443D2l4C4O3O26444C3DBB53423D68434O3D5543533C9Dir
SI IE3BFB4D4D3CB8 53573D944C543E705P543ED5S44D3E25434F3DE3434I3E25
SI IE3CI662IBI 8E0D050423F645031 383ESe323B3EFF7L38837E3B3EBD3FFDF2
SI I E3C3 1 I 67E3FFD60 302B0F8 1 092F0A8 III 28078 I I 62 E0 38 007 398 I EB2 6DC3D
St 1E3C4C20DO6DE220E3378DF946484848I68OF2IB368BA0SEB7A05E323339IB
SI I E3C67 37368 OE7 I 68OE4CEA04AE700A7C I LE803233398D868 I I B27AB8 I 2 CAS
SI IE3C8226F6398OF320C98DLF20OA8DFAFFA04E8DF5FFA0508DFOFFA0523963
SI IE3C9D8DEAAO007E3B3E8DE3FFAC588DDEFFA05A39BD3B65CEA04A7E3FF62I
SI I E3C886DO3FEA04EA6008CA0S027 I908FFA04EFLA0S2BD3B98A700AI 00272B
SI I E3CD30 37 E 388 308 FFA0 5220 DDF EA0 52A7 00BD 3FF2C EA0 527 E3FF67E3C89 62
SI 1E3CEE7E3C7A20BI8 DF67 FA0 5FBD3FFD8 I I B27 I AFEA04ABD3B98A7 00 A I 0® 1 B
SI IE3D0927037E3B5308FFA04A7CA05F270220DF8D94B6A05F7E3F468DC87EF5
SI 1E3D243FCC8DC37FA05FBD3CAF8D8EBD3C527CA05FFEA04ABO3B99A700AI2E
SI I E3D3F0027037E3B8 308FFA04AB6A05F8 I I 027O6BO3FF220OB8D9AFEA058C3
SI I E3D5ABD3B986F00BCA05A270 30820F3398D67FEA0S8FFA04A8D3C85 1 6FE92
SI IE3D75A04AA600I I2708BCA05A27E60820F3FFA04A378D3CAF33FEA04A207E
SI I E3D90F07E3C8D8DFBFEA0 4EBCA05027C9A600E60 IBIA0522605FIA05327 67
SI I E3DAB030820EAFFA04A08 FFA04E0D3CAF20D88D3CA4FEAP58FFA04ABD3CEL
SI I E3DC6AF86I 0B7A05FFEA04A09BCA05A2792088D3FF0FFA04A7AA05F26E8 I C
S I I E3DE I 20DEBD3CA4SFSASAFEA0 588 6A6 5881 A05A22 1 586A059B I A0S8220DOS
SI I E3OFC8CA05A27 I 509SCCI8027I 626F38CA0SA270609 SAC 1 7F270920F3BD39
SI I E3EI 7 3FF2 1 77E3F468D 3FF286587E3FFA8D3CA4BD3D57 FEA058A6004CA7 4 1
SI IE3E3200B7A060E600F7A06I I I 2603BCA05A27 I A0820E8FFA04ABD3B9ECE49
SI I E3E4OA0608D3FF0BD3FF0FEA04AB6A06020O38 l FF26CA39BD3C7ABD3FFOD5
S I I E3E66 3680 3FF2 327 E3F46BO3CS9FFA04E86I 1 8D588 63CB78007BD3FFO8 1 7D
SI IE3E835326F9803FF08I 31271 I8I3926EE863487800786I38D38397E3C5262
SI 1 E3E9E7FA0SESDF88002B7A05DBD3C07 FEA04E8DEBBD3B987 AA05D2709A7 2B
SI I E3EB900AI 00260B0820EDFFA04E7CA05E2786863F8D058DC27E3B9E7E3F05
SI I E3ED4FABD3CA4861 28DF6BO38D5FLA056FFA04CD6A05BB0A04DF6A05AF23F
SI I E3EEFA04C26048 1202502861 F6B04B7 A05C8003B7A05DBD3B65CE3F6I BD30
SI I E3F0A3FCC7FA05ECEA0 5C8D39CEA04C8O44FEA04C8D2F7AA05O26F9FFA0 I A
SI I E3F254C73A05ECLA05E8DI FFEA04C098CA05A26AE86538D9786398D93BD32
SI I E3F403BDS86I 4208C3630BD3FE3323937BD3FE309E60008FBA05EF7A05E6I
SI I E3F5B33398DEE20ECS33 1 04BD3CA4FLA0SA08 FFA04E8 61 2BD3FFABD3BD5E7
SI I E3F7 6BD2C20038D3B65C6088642SD77FEA0S8BCA05A27 I I A60008FFA058O0
SI I E3F9 I 8DI B86468D635A26E520DEC6648D0686I 42056C64D8 6FF8D505A2688
SI I E3FACF9 39 37C608 360C465A26FAC6083246240 68 650BD3920048 64E8D33F9
SI I E3FC7 5A26EF3339A6008 I 0427F98D260820FS840F8 I 09 230 28B0 7 SB 3020 3 6
SI 1 E3FE2I7A600474747478DECA6000820E78DFI862020048DED20F67EEIDIB3
SI 063FFD7EEI ACB2
S903O000FC

GP MONITOR 32 K VERSION

2TS00B00004O4F4E49544F5220AC

SI I E7B3E8LA0428O32BD7C2ECE78OFE1 002604AI 01 270E080808088C7C2726I 3
SI 1 E7B59EFBD7BBD20OFEE02AD0020O9CE7B6B7E7FCC0D0A000000FF0000000 1
S I 1 E7B7 4048DEECE7B7C20EC524S41 4459 3E048DI 9CE7B8C8OOE20B22A2A2AB5
SI 1 E7B8F4I 424F52542A2A2A048C7B3E27E639FFA04A8D7E9 I CE7BAC8DBF7LDE
SI I E7BAA7CB20D0A00000C4552524F52204I 54202D2004CE7BC37E7FCC204989
SI I E7BC54E564 1 4C494429434F4D4D4I 4E442004C6404FBD7 FFASA2 6F9394C 1 7
SI I E78E0447CF 34 44 47 D2 1 4C4D7D2644407D8B53427D68434D7D5S43537C9DI D
SI 1 E7BF84D4O7CB8 53577D9 44C547E7050 547LD5544D7E25434F7DE3434I 7E25
SI I E7 C I 662 1 B I BE0D0 50427F64503 1 7B3E50327B3EFF7E7B837E7B3EBD7FFD32
SI IE7C3I 1 67E7FFD80302B0F6 I 092F0A8 I I I2B078I I 62E038007 398 I E826DCDD
SI IE7C4C20DO8DE220E3378DF94848 48 48 I 68DF2 I B36BBA05EB7 A05E323339DB
SI 1 E7 C67 37 368 DE7 1 68DE4CEA04AE700A70 1 EE80 3233398D8 68 I IB27AB8I2C65
SI I E7 C8 226V 6398 DF 320C98DEF20DA8DFAFFA04E8DF5FFA050BDF0FFA0523923
SI I E7C9D8DLAAD007E7B3L8DE3FFA0588DDEFFA05A39BD7B65CEA04A7E7FF62 I
SI I E7 CO88OO3FEA04EA600BCA0S027 1908 FFA04EFLA052BD7B98A7 00AI 0027 AD
S I I E7CO3037E7B8 308 FFA0 5220 DOFEA0 52A7008D7FF2CLA0 527 E7FF67E7C8922
SI I E7CEE7E7C7A20B 1 80F 67FA05FBD7FFO8 1 1 827 I AFEA04ABO7B98A700A 1 00 I B
SI 1E7D0927037E7B8308FFA04A7CA05F270220OF8D94B6A05F7E7F468DC07E35
SI IE7D247FCC8DC37FA05FBD7CAF8DBEBD7C527CA05FFLA04ABD7B98A700AIEE
SI 1 E7D3F0027037E7B8 308FFA04A86A05F8 1 1 027D6BD7FF220DBBD9AFLA05803
SI I E7D5ABD7B986F00BCA05A27030820F3398D87FLA058FFA04ABD7C85I 6FED2
SI I E7D7 5A04AA600 1 I 2706BCA05A27E60820F3FFA04A37BD7CAF33FLA04A20FE
SI I E7D9 0F07E7C8O8DFBFEA04EBCA0 5027C9A600E60 1 B I A0522605F1 A05327E7
SI 1E7OAB030820EAFFA04A08FFA04EBD7CAF20DBBD7CA4FEA058FFA04A8D7CEE
SI 1 E7DC6AF86 1 0B7A0 5FFLA04A09BCA05A27920BBD7 FF0FFA04A7AA05F2 6E89C
SI I E7DEI 20OE8D7CA45F5A5AFEA0 58 B6A0 56BI A0SA22 I 586A059B I A05B220D6 5
SI I E7 DFCBCA0SA27 1 508 5CCI 8027 1 620F3BCA05A27 08 09 5AC 1 7F270920F3BDF9
SI 1E7EI77FF2I77E7F46BD7FF286587E7FFA8D7CA4BD7D57FEA058A6004CA781
SI 1E7E3200B7A0 60 E600F7A0 6 1 I 1 2608BCA05A27 I A0820ES FFA04A8D789ECEC9
SI 1E7E4DA060BD7FF00D7FF0FEA04AB6A06020D38IFF26CA39BD7C7ABD7FFB98
SI 1 E7E68 36BD7FF2327E7F468O7C89FFA04E861 1 8D 588 6 3CB780078D7 FFDB I 30
SI I E7E835326F9BD7FFD8 I 31271 181 3926EE8634B7800786I 38D38397E7C52A2
SI I E7E9E7 FAB 5E8DF88002B7A0 5DBD7C67FEA04E8DEBBD7B9B7AA05D2709A7 68
SI I E7EB900A1 00260B0820EDFFA84E7CA0SE27B68 63F8D058DC27E7B9E7E7F45
311 E7E04FA8D7CA486I 28DF6BD7BD5FEA058FFA04CB6A05BB0A04DF6A05AF27F
SI I E7EEFA04C26048 1 202502861 F8B04B7A05C8003B7A0 5DBD7865CE7F6IBD70
SI I E7F0A7 FCC7FA0 5ECEA05C8D39CEA04C8D44FEA04C8D2F7AA0 5D26FVFFA09A
SI I E7F2S4C7 3A0 5ECLA0 5E8DI FFEA04C09BCA0 5A26AE86S38D97 6 6 390 D938DF2
St 1E7F407BD5861 4208 C36308D7FE3 3239 37BO7FE309E600 08 FQA05EF7A0 5E61
St IE7F5833398OEE20EC533I04BD7CA4FEA0SA08FFA04E86I2BD7FFABD7BD5E7
SI I E7F7 68 D2C20038D7865C6088 6428D77FEA0 588CA0 5A27 11 A60008FFA0 58 50
SI I E7 F9 1 8DI B8 6468D635A26ES20DEC6648D0686I 42056C64D0 6FF8O505A2648
SI I E7FACF9 39 37C 608 360 C465A26FAC608 3246240 66 6508 D3920048 64E8D33B9
SI I E7FC7 5A26EF3339A6008 I 0427F98D260S20FS840F8 I 0923028B078B3020F6
SI I E7 FE2 1 7A600474747478OECA6000820E78DFI 8 620200 48 DEB20F67 EE 10173
SI 067 FFD7 EE I AC 72
S9030000FC

The author can be contacted by writing to William
E. Warren, P.O. Box 5739, Sta F, Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada K2C 3M1.

SAMPLE RUN

•M AO 48
•A048 9C 08
•A049 FD 3E
* A04A OB

•«* 7E AE FF 9DFF 083L A042
•0

READY*LD* 0000 THIS ISA TEST .

0013 13

READY* DD, 0000 THIS 15 A TEST .

READY* L-X, OOOO

7OO0 ,07 II 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 AA 89 CC DD EE FF
0010 , 00 1 1 22 33 M 4 NON MEX CHARACTER
ERROR AT - 0014 •• •ABORT* ••

READY* EM, 3000, 0ei4

3000 00 II 22 33 44 55 66 77 38 99 AA DD CC DD EE FF
0010 00 II 22 33 00
RLADY*LM. 0722
0722 , 12 34

READY* SB, 0000, 07 FF, 12 1 SEARCH

07 2 2 V

READY* SV» 0000, 07 FF. 1234 J "OVTINCS
07 22

READY* CM, 0B3E, 084F

78 3 E 6E AO 42 8D 32 BD 0C 21 CE 0B DF El 00 26 04 Al
0D4E 01 27

n LADY*HM, 0B3E, 0B4F, 0000 0011 NEW ENDING AOORESS
READY* CM, 0000. 001 1

0000 BE AO 42 8D 32 BD 0C 2E CE 08 DF El 00 26 04 Al
0010 01 27

READY* CO. 0000, 0045 43 \

READY* CO, 0045, OOSC B*> / OFFSET CALCULATION

READY* CA.0 47

READY* CA, K 4B

RLADY* CA, L 4C

READY* TB, 0000, 0003

BPNNN *»ptM FBFW WJNMJIN FEW PNNNft fM F8

READY* TH. 0000, 07FF
*£ADY* TM, 0300. 0FFF

ERROR AT - 0B3E •••AB0»T"«« ATTEMPT TO OAMAOE MONITOR
READY* PT, 0300, 0O3F

siBdooooeBeoaceBooBeoeooooocoooBBBOcooocooooooooooocoooooozeBoaoBBBaocosDC

512300200000000000000000000000000000000000070000000000000000000303330300801

9 S

READY* TM, 0000, 0TFF
READY* CM, 0100, 0I0F

eioe ft rr rr rr ft ft ft ff ft ft ft ft ft ft ft ft

ono

®£ACY»LT, 0I0OREADY*KH INVALID COMMAND
READY* CM, 7130. 01 OF

0130 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
0110

READY* CS, EID1,

READY* PI
n EADY» P2
READY*

•G

READY* INVALID COMMAND
READY*

PROGRAM LISTING

aaeai n* i monitor

03002

OPT

0, NOG

00003

•

00004

•M68O0 GP MONITOR ’TER

2. 1

00005

•REVISED JAN

7/I9T8

00006

•VRITTEN BY

VILLI AX

E. VARRIN

00007

•

00008

•

30009

•

00010

•

0031 1

•THIS VERSION

1 F0» 4K

RAX SYSTIMS

00012

•

00013

•EQUATES AND

REOISTERS

00014

•

00015

A042

STACK EOV

SA042

DEFINE PROGRAM STACK

00016

3007

PDRCOH ECU

S8007

READER CONTROL REGISTER

00017

E0D0

ALIM ON ECU

SL0DC

ALTERNATE MONITOR

00018

A04A

ORG

STACK*®

e00l9

A04A

0002

BF AMEX

2

GENERAL

00e20

A04C

0002

TEMPT W1B

2

0002 1

A04E

0002

TEH PX 1 WB

2

INDEX

00022

AC 50

0002

TIMPX2 RIB

2

00023

A052

0002

TIM PX 3 'MB

2

REG! STER

00024

AO 54

0002

TEMPX4 W18

2

0002 5

A056

0002

TD1PX5 VMS

2

STORAGE

00026

A058

eoo2

STARTX RNB

2

START ADDRESS VECTOR

00027

A05A

eco2

Cl OX RIB

2

Cl D ADDRESS VECTOR

00028

A35C

0001

FTMCIT RM8

1

FRAMECOLMT PEGI STER

00029

A0 5D

0001

BYTCNT RMB

I

8 V TE COINT REGI STER

00030

A05E

0001

CHKSLM RMB

1

CHECK SIM REGISTER

O0O3I

A05F

0031

COIN TU RIB

1

8 BIT COltt TER

00032

AO60

0002

BUFFER RID

2

SPECIAL STORAGE

00033

•

134 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

SOFTWARE SECTION

SOFTWARE APPLICATION

00034

•THIS MONITOR

COMMAND ROUTIME

00 159

•

00035

•ACCEPTS TVO- INPUT COMMAND MMIMONICS

00160

•CONNECTING JUMPS

03036

•THA’ CALL UP

THE REQUIPED SUBROUTINE

00161

•

0Ce37

•

00162

0C28

7E

0B83

JIM PI

JMP

PABORT

30035

•IF Ail

ERROR

IS MADE ON ENTRY

00163

9C23

7E

0B3L

JIMP2

JMP

MONITR

000 39

•THE TERMINAL

PPINTS 'INVALID COMMAND'

30164

•

00040

•AND THE MON I TOP IS REENTERED .

00165

•INPUT

2 ASCII CHARACTERS INTO B AND A

00041

•

00166

•

00042

esse

ORG

10FFF-14CI

00167

0C2E

BD

OFFD

XN2ASC

JSR

CINPItT

FIRST CHAR

00043

•

00168

0C3I

16

TAB

PUT IN B

00044

3B3E

8E A042

MONIT®

LDS

# STACK SET STACK

001 69

0C32

7E

0FFD

INASC

JMP

CIMPVT

FETCH SECOND CHAR AND RTS

00245

0541

80 32

BSR

PRLADY DO PROMPT

00170

•

00046

CD 4 3

BD 0C2E

JSR

IN2ASC INPUT COMM AN D 5

00171

•MAKE HEX FROM DATA IN

A

00047

0B46

CE 0BDF

LDX

#DATA6 POINT TO TA8LE

00172

•IF NON

l HEX THEN DO ERROR

00046

OB 49

E! 00

FIJI DC

Otr B

0.X 1ST CHA"7

00173

•AND VECTOR BACK TO MONITOR

00249

3B4S

26 04

we

NEXT A NOPE

00174

•

00050

0840

Ai 01

CMP A

l*X 2ND CHAP7

00175

0C35

80

30

MAX HEX

SUB A

#130

STRIP ASCII

00051

0B4F

27 0E

BEO

FOUNDC YES

00176

0C37

2B

0F

BMI

NOTH EX

00052

0651

38

NEXT 4

INX

INCREMENT

00177

0C39

81

09

CMP A

#109

0 TO 9 HEX7

00033

0852

08

XMX

TO

00178

0C3B

2F

0A

BLE

HEX

00054

2353

28

I MY

NEXT

00179

0C3D

81

II

CMP A

#111

00055

0B54

08

INX

COMMAND

00 180

0C3F

2B

07

BMI

NOTH EX

00056

0B55

8C 0C27

CPX

#DATA6E END YET7

3313 1

0C4I

81

16

CMP A

#116

00057

0B58

26 EF

BN L

FIMDC KEEP LOOKING

00I82

0C43

2E

03

BGT

NOTMEX

000 55

0BSA

BD OBBD

JSR

I M UAL D INVALID COMMAND

00183

0C45

SO

07

SUB A

#107

00359

0B5O

N D P

BRA

MON I TR BACK TO START

00184

0C47

39

HEX

RTS

OK* EXIT

00060

0B5F

EE 02

FOtJNOC

LDX

2* X FETCH ROUTINE ADDRESS

00185

0C4S

81

EB

NOTH EX

CMP A

#1EB

'ESC' KEY7

00061

0B6I

AD 00

JSR

0*X DO THE ROUTINE

00186

0C4A

26

DC

BN E

JIMPi

HEX ERROR

00062

0B63

20 D9

BRA

MON I TR GO BACK TO START

00167

0C4C

20

DD

BRA

JUHP2

ESCAPE SELECTED

00063

•

00166

•

00064

• START

A NEV LINE

00189

•INPUT

ONE HEX INTO A

00065

•

00 1 90

•

00066

0865

CE 0B6B

■ 1 EVL IN

LDX

MIEVLCT POINT TO DATA

00191

0C4E

8D

E2

XN1HEX

BSR

INASC

FETCH CHAR

00067

0868

7E 0FCC

PDATAI

JMP

PDATA PRINT STRING

00192

0CS0

20

E3

BRA

MAKHEX

00068

0B6B

00

NEVLDT

FCB

10* IAi 0# 0* 0, IF F. 0* 0, 0* 4

00193

•

00369

•

00194

•INPUT

2 HEX

INTO A

0007 0

• READY* PRINTOUT SUBROUTINE

02195

•UPDATE CHECKSUM

0307 1

•

00196

•

00072

0B7 5

8D LE

PR LADY

BSR

NIVLIN START NEV LINE FIRST

00197

0C52

37

IN2HCX

PSH B

SAVE B

0007 3

0B77

CE 0B7C

LDX

#DATA2

00198

0C53

8D

F9

BSR

INIHEX

0007 4

0B7A

20 EC

BRA

PDATAI PRINT STRING

0CI99

0C55

48

ASL A

00075

0B7C

52

DATA2

FCC

'READY* '

00200

0C56

46

AT. A

00076

0B82

04

FCB

14

03221

0C57

48

ASL A

00077

•

00202

0C58

48

ASL A

00078

•ABORT

PRINTOUT SUBROUTINE

00203

0C59

16

TAB

SHIFT TO UPPER B

00079

•

00204

0C5A

8D

F2

BSR

INIHEX

GET LOVER

00030

0B83

80 19

PABORT

BSR

PERROR

00205

0CSC

18

ABA

MAKE A BYTE

00061

0B8 5

CE 9 BSC

LDX

# DATA 3

00206

0C5D

36

PSH A

SAVE DATA

00052

0B88

80 DE

BSR

PDATAI

00207

0CSE

BB

AOSE

ADD A

CHKSUM

FETCH CHECKSUM

0008 3

0B8A

20 B2

BRA

MON I TR

00208

0C61

B7

A05E

STA A

CHKStM

UPDATE

00084

CBBC

2A

DATA3

FCC

'•••ABORT*** '

00209

0C64

32

ML

RESTORE DATA

e0085

0B97

04

FCB

14

00210

0C65

33

PUL B

RESTORE B

00086

•

00211

0C66

39

RTS

DONE

002S7

•MONITOR OVERVRITL PROTECTION ROUTINE

00212

•

00088

•

00213

•INPUT

4 HEX

INTO X AND

00089

0B98

8C OBOE

DANGER

CPX

iW ON I TR IS X NEAR MONXTOR7

00214

•ALSO STORE AT 8F4HEX

00090

PB9B

27 E6

BEO

PABORT YES GET OUT OUICK

00215

•

00091

0890

39

RTS

NO ITS OX

00216

CC67

37

IN AMEX

PSH 8

00092

•

00217

0C68

36

PSH A

SAVE ACC

00093

•ERROR

PRINTOUT SUBROUTINE

00218

0C69

BD

E7

BSR

XN2HDC

FETCH HI BYTE

00094

•

00219

0C6B

16

TAB

PUT IN B

0009 5

0B9E

FT A04A

PERROR

STX

BF4HEX SAVE ADDRESS OF ERROR

90220

0C6C

BD

E4

BSR

IN2HEX

FETCH LO 8YTE

0009 6

0BAI

BD 0E9 l

JSR

OUT TU1W OFF READER! IF ON)

90221

0C6E

CE

A04A

LDX

#BF4MEX

POINT AT DATA

00097

B8A4

CE 0BAC

LDX

#DATA4 POINT AT MESSAGE

00222

0C7 1

E7

00

STA 8

0*X

00098

0BA7

SD BF

BSR

PDATAI PRINT IT

00223

0C73

A7

01

STA A

l*X

PUT IN BUFFER

00099

0BA9

7E 0CB2

JMP

LADDR PRINT ADDRESS

00224

0C7 5

EE

00

LDX

0* X

FETCH INTO X

e0]00

0BAC

0D

DATA4

FCB

ID* SA* 0* 9,0

00225

0C77

32

PUL A

00101

0B8I

45

FCC

'ERROR AT -

00226

0C78

33

PUL B

00102

08BC

04

FCB

4

00227

0C79

39

RTS

00103

•

00228

•

00104

•INVALID COMMAND MESSAGE

Wttf

•CONTINUE (*:

> OR ESCAPE (ESC)

30105

•

00230

•

00106

0BBD

CE 0BC3

IN'JALD

LDX

0 I VAPRT

00231

0C7A

8D

B6

CONTIN

BSR

INASC

FETCH CHAR

00107

0BC0

7E 0FCC

JMP

PDATA

002 32

0C7C

81

IB

CMP A

#118

'ESC 7 *

00108

08C3

20

I VAPRT

FCC

' INVALID COMMAND

00233

0C7E

27

AB

BEO

JUNP2

00109

0BD4

04

FCB

14

00234

0C80

3 1

2 C

CMP A

#'*

COMMA 7

02110

•

00235

0C82

26

F6

EM E

CONTIN

NO JUST VAIT

201 1 1

•PINCH

64 MILL LEADER/TRAILE®

00236

0C84

1")

RTS

DONE * 00

00112

•

00237

•

00113

0BO5

C6 40

P64NUL

LDA B

#64

00238

•CONTROLLED

INPUT 2 HEX

00114

0BO7

4F

PNIL

CLR A

00239

•IN FOm #HH

001 IS

0BO6

90 0FFA

JSR

CPRINT

00240

•

00116

0808

SA

DEC B

00241

0C85

8D

F3

C1N2HX

BSR

CONTIN

00117

0BDC

26 F9

91E

PNtL

00242

0C87

20

C9

BRA

IN 2HEX

FETCH BYTE

00118

OBOE

39

RTS

00243

•

00119

•

00244

•CONTROLLED :

INPUT 4 HEX

20120

•COMMAND TABLE

00245

•IN FOm * HHHH

00121

•

00246

•

00122

0BDF

4C

DATA6

FCC

'LD' LOAD DATA

00247

0C89

BD

EF

CIN4HX

BSR

CONTIN

VAIT FOR COMMA

03123

ODE 1

0CF3

FDB

LODAT

00248

0C88

20

DA

BRA

IN4HEX

00124

0BE3

44

FCC

'DD' DUMP DATA

00249

•

00125

0BE5

2D21

FDB

DUDAT

00250

•INPUT

3 SETS OF 4 HEX

00126

CBE7

4C

FCC

*LM ' LOAD MEMORY

00251

•IN FOW .HHHH* HHHH* HHHH

00127

0BE9

CD26

FDB

LOMEM

00252

•

00128

CBEB

44

FCC

'CM ' DUMP MEMORY

00253

0C8D

6D

FA

I3HEX4

BSR

CIN4HX

00129

0BEO

0D8B

FDB

DIM EM

00254

0CBF

FF

A04E

STX

TEMPXI

00130

OBEF

53

FCC

'SB' SEARCH MEMORY FOR 8 BIT BYTE

00255

0C92

BD

F5

BSR

C1N4HX

00131

0DF1

0068

FCB

SEW EM

00256

0C94

FF

AO 50

STX

TIHPX2

00132

0BF3

43

FCC

'CM ' CLEAR MEMORY

00257

0C97

80

F0

BSR

CIS AMY

00133

0BF5

0OSS

FOB

CL W EM

00258

0C99

FF

A052

STX

TIMPX3

00134

0BF7

43

FCC

'CS' CALL SUBROUTINE

00259

0C9C

39

RTS

00135

0BF9

0C9D

FDB

CAL SUB

00260

•

00136

09F8

4D

FCC

RIM ' MOVE MEMORY BLOCKS

00261

•CALL

SUBROUTINE POINTED TO

00137

0BFD

0CB8

FDB

MOVMEM

00262

•BY ADDRESS

IN X

001 38

08FF

53

FCC

'SV' SEARCH MEMORY FOR 16 BIT VORD

00263

•

00139

OC0I

0094

FDB

SERADD

00264

0C9D

II

EA

CAL SUB

BSR

CIN4HX

FETCH THE ADDRESS

00l4e

0C03

4C

FCC

*LT ' LOAD TAPE WITH OFFSET

00265

0C9F

AD

00

JSR

0* X

JUMP TO IT

00141

0C05

0E70

FDB

OFLOAD

00266

0CA1

?l

0B3E

JMP

MONITR

BACK TO MONITOR

00142

0C07

50

FCC

'PT' PUNCH FOWATTED PAPER TAPE

00267

•

00143

0C09

0EC5

FDB

PUN TAB

00268

•INPUT

TVO SETS OF 4 HEX

00144

0C0B

54

FCC

'TM ' TEST MEMORY

00269

•IN FOm * HHHH* HHHH

00145

0C0O

0E25

FDB

TSTMEM

00270

•

00146

CC0F

43

FCC

'CO' CALCULATE HEX OFFSET

00271

0CA4

6D

£3

IN2HX4

BSR

CIN4HX

00147

0C1 1

0DE3

FDB

CALOFF

0027 2

0CA6

FF

AC 58

STX

STARTX

FIRST ADDRESS

00148

0C1 3

43

FCC

'CA' CONVERT ASCII TO HEX

0027 3

0CA9

6D

DE

BSR

CIN4HX

001 49

OC 1 5

0E62

FDB

CflNASC

00274

0CA8

FF

A0SA

STX

ENDX

SECOND ADDRESS

00150

0CI7

IB

FCB

SIB* SIB (ESC* ESC) GO TO ALTERNATE MON

00275

OCAE

39

RTS

001 5!

0CI9

E0O0

FDB

ALTMON

e©270

*

00152

0CI8

50

FCC

'PB' PUNCH BN PF TAPE

00277

•START

NEV LINE AND PRINT ADDRESS

03153

0CIO

0F64

FDB

PWBNF

00278

•

00154

0CIF

50

FCC

'PI' GO TO PROGRAM ONE

00279

0CAF

BD

0865 NLADDR

JSR

N EVL I N

00155

0C2I

0B3E

FDB

MON I TR USER VECTOR GOES HERE

00280

0C82

CL

A04A

LADDR

LDX

#BF4HEX

POINT AT DATA

C8156

0C23

50

FCC

'P2 ' GO TO PROGRAM TVO

00281

0CB5

Tl

0FF6

JMP

P4MEXS

PRINT IT

00157

0C25

0B3E

FDB

M ON I TR USER VECTOR GOES HERE

00282

•

00158

0C27

FF

DATA6E

FCB

S FT DID OF COMMAND TABLE

00263

•MOVE MEMORY

BLOCK ROUTINE

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 135

SOFTWARE SECTION

SOFTWARE APPLICATION

00265

0C88

6D

03

MOVHIM

BSR

I3HEX4

FETCH PARAMETERS

00266

ac ba

rt

A04E

DRC7MM

LOT

TEMPX1

DIRECT DITRY POINT

00287

0C8D

A6

00

LDA

A

0,X

SOURCE DATA

00286

0CBF

BC

A050

CPX

TEMPX2

00289

0CC2

27

19

8 EG

LASTBY

00290

0CC4

08

INX

00291

0CC5

FF

A04E

STX

TEMPXI

00292

0CC8

FE

A0 52

LOX

TEMPX3

DESTINATION

0e29 3

0CC8

80

0896

JSR

DANGER

BE CAREFUL

00294

0CCE

A7

00

STA

A

0. X

STORE DATA

00295

0CD0

A 1

00

CMP

A

e,x

CHECK IF THERE

00296

0CD2

27

03

BEQ

DRCI

ITS OK

00297

0CD4

7E

0B8 3

JMP

PABORT

NO MEMORY

00296

0CO7

08

DRCI

INX

00299

0CD6

FF

A0S2

STX

TIM PX 3

e0300

0CDB

20

DD

BRA

DRCTMM

00301

0CDD

FE

AO 52

LASTBY

LOX

TEMPX3

00302

0CL0

A7

00

STA

A

0/X

00303

0CE2

BO

0FF2

JSR

SPACE

00304

0CE5

CE

A052

LDX

#TD1PX3

POINT TO DATA

00305

0CE8

7E

0FF6

JMP

P4HEXS

PRINT IT AND EXIT

60306

•

00307

•LINKS

00306

•

00309

0CEB

7E

0C89

JIM P3

JMP

CIN4HX

00310

0CEE

7 L

0C7A

JIMP4

JNI

CONTIN

0C31 I

0CF1

20

81

JLMP6

BRA

IN2HX4

00312

•

00313

•LOAD 1

DATA

INTO MEMORY

00314

•

00315

0CF3

•D

F6

LODAT

BSR

JIMP3

FETCH DESTINATION X

00316

0CF5

7 F

A05F

CLR

COINTU

00317

0CF8

BO

0FFD

LOOATI

JSR

CINPUT

00318

0CF8

5 1

IB

CMP

A

#5 IB

"ESC"?

00319

0CFD

27

IA

BEQ

GUI TDA

00320

0CFF

F£

A04A

LDX

BF4HEX

FETCH ADDR

00321

0D02

80

0898

JSR

DANGER

BE CAREFUL

00322

0D05

A7

00

STA

A

0#X

00323

0007

A 1

00

CMP

A

e#x

00324

0D09

27

03

BEG

L0DAT2

00325

0D0B

TB

0883

JMP

PABORT

NO RJM

00326

0D0E

08

L0DAT2

INX

00327

0D0F

FT

A04A

STX

8F4MEX

RESTORE BUF

00326

0DI 2

7C

A0SF

INC

COUfTU

INCREMENT COUNT

00329

0DI 5

.■'7

02

BEQ

GUI TDA

YES EXIT

00330

0DI7

20

DF

BRA

LOOATI

DO AGAIN

00331

0DI9

BD

94

QU1 TDA

BSR

NLADDR

PRINT ADDR

00332

0018

M

A0SF

LDA

A

COINTU

FETCH BYTE COUNT

00333

001 E

7E

0F46

JMP

P2HEXA

PRINT IT AND RTS

00334

•

00335

•DIMP

OATA

ROUTINE

00336

•

00337

0021

60

C8

DUDAT

BSR

JUMPS

00338

0023

7E

0FCC

JMP

PDATA

PRINT STRING UNTIL EOT

00339

•

00340

•LOAD MEMORY

SEQUENTIALLY

00341

•WITH HEX DA7A

00342

•

00343

0026

BB

C3

LOM EM

BSR

JUMPS

00344

0026

7F

A05F

LOM EMI

CLR

COINTU

00345

0O2B

BD

0CAF

JSR

NLADDR

00346

0D2E

3L

BE

BSR

JUMP4

CONTIN

00347

0D30

BD

0CS2

LOM EM 2

JSR

IN2HEX

00348

0033

TC

A05F

INC

COINTU

INCREMENT BYTE COUNT

00349

0D36

FE

A0 4A

LDX

BF4HETX

03350

0039

BO

0B96

JSR

DANGER

BE CAREFUL

00351

0O3C

A T

00

STA

A

0#X

00352

0D3E

Hi

0e

CMP

A

0# X

IS IT THERE?

00353

0040

27

03

BEQ

LOM IMS

YES OK

00354

0D42

7E

0B8 3

JMP

PABORT

NOT THERE

00355

0D45

•a

LOM EM 3

INX

00356

0046

FF

A04A

STX

BF4HEX

00 357

0049

B6

A05F

LDA

A

COINTU

00358

0D4C

61

10

OIP

A

#16

00359

0D4E

27

D6

BEQ

LOM EMI

00 360

0050

BO

0FF2

JSR

SPACE

00361

0053

20

OB

BRA

LCMEM2

00362

•

00363

•CLEAR

MEMORY

ROUTINE

00364

•

00365

0D5S

80

9A

CL Wi EM

03''

JIMP6

00366

0057

FE

A056

LDX

STARTX

00367

0D5A

0 I

0B98

CLFM

JSR

DANGER

BE CAREFUL

00368

0D5D

6 y

00

CLR

0#X

CLEAR A LOCATION

00369

0D5F

n G

A05A

CPX

ENDX

END YET?

00370

0062

27

03

BEQ

DONE

YES EXIT

00371

0064

BB

INX

00372

0D65

20

F3

BRA

CLW

0037 3

0067

39

DONE

RTS

00374

•

0037 5

•SEARCH MEMORY FOR 8 BIT BYTE

0037 6

•

00377

0068

80

87

SEW EM

BSR

JINP6

00376

0D6A

FE

A058

LDX

STARTX

00379

0060

FF

A04A

STX

BF4MEX

00 360

0070

BD

0C6 5

JSR

C1N2HX

00381

0D73

16

TAB

00382

007 4

FE A04A

LDX

BF4MEX

00383

0D77

A6

00

SEARCH

LDA

A

e.x

00384

0079

1!

CBA

00 385

0D7A

2 7

08

BEQ

01 SADD

00386

0D7C

BC

A0 5A

CPX

ENDX

00387

0D7F

27

E6

BEQ

DONE

00 388

0081

0B

SERI NX

INX

00389

0D82

BB

F3

BRA

SEARCH

00390

0DS4

FF

A04A

01 SADD

STX

BF4HEX

00391

0067

37

PSH

B

00392

0088

BD

0CAF

JSR

NLADDR

0039 3

0088

33

PUL

8

00394

0D8C

FE

A04A

LDX

BF4HLX

0039 5

0D6F

BB

F0

BRA

5ERINX

00396

•

00397

•LINK

00398

•

00399

0091

7E

0C8D

JUMP?

JMP

I3HEX4

00400

•

00401

•SEARCH FOR 1 6 BI T WORD IN MEMORY

00402

•

00403

009 4

BB

FB

SERADD

BSR

JIMP7

INPUT PARAM ETERS

00404

0096

F B

A04E

LOOPDO

LDX

TEMPXI

START ADDR

00405

0099

BC

A050

LOOPAO

CPX

TEMPX2

END ADDR

00406

0D9C

27

C9

BEQ

DONE

FINISHED SO EXIT

00407

009 E

A6

00

LDA

A

0#X

FETCH HI BYTE

00408

0DA0

E6

01

LDA

B

l#X

FETCH LO BYTE

00409

0DA2

BI

A0S2

CMP

A

TEMPX3

COMPARE HI BYTE

00410

0DAS

26

05

WE

5ERWC

CONTINUE

0041 1

0OA7

FI

A053

Cl'

B

TEMPX3*!

COMPARE LO BYTE

00412

0DAA

27

03

BEO

FONDSR

FOUND ONE

00413

0DAC

06

SEREXC

INX

00414

ODAD

20

EA

BRA

LOO PAG

DO AGAIN

00415

0OAF

FF

A04A

FONDSR

STX

BF4HEX

SAVE ADDRESS

00416

0OB2

06

INX

00417

0DB3

FF

A04E

STX

TEMPXI

SAVE NWT ADDRESS

00418

0OB6

BD

0CAF

JSR

NLADDR

PRINT ADDRESS WHERE FOUND

00419

0DB9

20

DB

BRA

LOOPDO

KEEP GOING

00420

•

00421

•DUMP MEMORY

00422

•

00423

0DBB

BD

0CA4

DIM IM

JSR

1N2MX4

FETCH ADDRESS LIMITS

00424

0DBE

FE

AO 59

LDX

STARTX

FETCH START X

00425

0DCI

FF

A04A

CON TIM

STX

8F4HEX

SAVE ADDRESS

00426

0DC4

80

0CAF

JSR

NLADDR

START NEV LINE AND PRINT ADDR

00427

0DC7

86

10

LDA

A

#16

SET BYTE COUNT

00428

0DC9

87

A05F

STA

A

COINTU

INTO REGISTER

00429

0DCC

FE

A04A

DUHLOP

LDX

BF4IIEX

FETCH POINTER

00430

0DCF

09

DEX

DOWN ONE

00431

0000

BC

A05A

CPX

DJDX

DID YET?

00432

0DD3

27

92

BEC

DONE

YES WIT

00433

0005

06

INX

BACK UP

00434

0DD6

BO

0FF0

JSR

HPRINT

PRINT BYTE POINTED AT

00435

0DD9

FF

A04A

STX

BF4HEX

SAVE POINTER

00436

0DDC

7A

A05F

DEC

COIN TV

REDUCE BYTECOUNT

00437

0DDF

BB

E8

WE

DUNLOP

KEEP GOING

00438

0DEI

M

DE

BPA

CONTIN

LINE DONE « DO AN07HER

00439

•

00440

•CALCULATE

0FT5ETS AND

PRINT RESULT

00441

•IF BRANCH

I S

OUT OF RANGE

00442

•AN *X

* WILL BE PRINTED

00444

•

00445

0OE3

CAL OFF

BOO

•

00446

0DE3

BD

OCA 4

JSR

IN2HX4

FETCH ADDRESS LIMITS

00447

0DE6

5F

CLR

B

00448

0DE7

5A

DEC

B

00449

0DE8

BA

DEC

8

SET OFFSET START VALUE

00450

0DE9

FE

A056

LDX

STARTX

FETCH POINTER

00451

0DEC

B6

A0S6

LDA

A

STARTX

HI BYTE

00452

ODE F

BI

A0SA

CMP

A

ENDX

UP OR DOWN ?

00453

0DF2

22

IS

BHI

DECLOP

NEGATIVE BRANCH

00454

0DF4

B6

A059

LDA

A

STARTX* 1

LO BYTE

00455

0DF7

81

A0 5B

CMP

A

DJDX* 1

UP OF DOWN ?

00456

0DFA

22

00

BHI

DECLOP

NEGATIVE BRANCH

00457

0DFC

BC

A0 5A

CNLOP

CPX

DJDX

DONE YET?

00458

0DFF

27

IS

BEQ

DW CAL

YES WIT

00459

0E01

BB

INX

INCREMENT POINTER

00460

0E02

5C

INC

B

INCREMENT VALUE

00461

0E03

Cl

80

CMP

B

#560

OUT OF RANGE?

00462

0E05

27

16

BEQ

OUTRAN

YES

00463

0E07

BB

F3

BRA

CNLOP

KEEP GOING

00464

0E09

BC

A05A

DECLOP

CPX

ENDX

DWE YET?

00465

0E0C

27

08

BEQ

DON CAL

YES EXIT

00466

0E0E

09

DW

DECREMENT POINTER

00467

0E0F

5A

DEC

S

DECREMENT COUNT

00468

0EI0

Cl

7F

CMP

B

#S7F

OUT OF RANGE?

00469

0EI2

27

09

BEQ

OUTRAN

YES WIT

0047 0

0EI 4

20

F3

BRA

DECLOP

KEEP GOING

00471

0EI6

BD

0FF2

DON CAL

JSR

SPACE

PRINT A SPACE

00472

0EI9

17

TBA

TRANSFER VALUE

0047 3

0EIA

7E

0F46

JMP

P2HWA

PRINT IT AND WIT

0047 4

0E1D

BO

0FF2

OUTRAN

JSR

SPACE

0047 5

0E20

BB

58

LDA

A

#'X

SET ASCII

0047 6

• E22

TB

0FFA

JMP

CPRINT

PRINT IT AND EXIT

00477

•

00478

•TEST MEMORY

00479

•

00480

0E2S

BD

0CA4

TSTM EM

JSR

IN2MX4

FETCH START AND END

00461

0E28

BD

0057

JSR

CL 'M EM *2

CLEAR MEMORY FIRST

00462

0E2B

FE

A056

AGAIN

LDX

STARTX

00463

0E2E

M

00

TEST

LDA

A

X

FETCH OATA

00 48 4

0E30

4C

TESTI

INC

A

INCREMENT A

0048 5

0E31

AT

00

STA

A

X

00486

0E33

B7

A060

STA

A

BUFFER

00487

0E36

E6

00

LDA

B

X

00488

0L38

F7

A06I

STA

B

BUFFER* 1

SAVE FETCHED VALUE

00469

0E3D

11

CBA

00490

0E3C

BB

06

WE

TMERR

00491

0E3E

BC

A05A

CPX

DJDX

00492

0E4I

27

IA

BEO

WIT

00493

or 43

08

INX

00494

0E44

20

EB

BPJU

TEST

0049 5

0E46

FF

A04A

TMERR

STX

BF4HEX

00496

0E49

BO

0B9E

JSR

PERROR

00497

0E4C

CE

A060

LDX

#BUFFER

SET X TO VALUES

00496

0E4F

BO

0FFO

JSR

HPRINT

PRINT FI RST TWO

00499

0E52

BD

0FF0

JSR

HPRINT

AND SECOND TWO

00500

0E55

FE

A04A

LDX

BF4HEX

RESTORE X

00501

0E5S

B6

A060

LDA

A

BUFFER

RESTORE DATA

00502

0E5B

20

03

ORA

TESTI

00503

0E5D

61

FF

WIT

CMP

A

#1FF

ALL PATTEWS YET?

00504

0E5F

26

CA

WE

AO AIN

NO DO AGAIN

00505

0E61

39

RTS

00506

•

00507

•CONVERT ASCII TO HEX

00508

•

00509

0E62

CON ASC

EOU

•

00518

0E62

BD

0C7A

JSR

CONTIN

0051 1

0E6S

BD

0FFD

JSR

CINPUT

00512

0E68

36

CONI

PSH

A

00513

0E69

BD

0FF2

JSR

SPACE

00514

0E6C

32

PUL

A

0051 S

0E6D

7E

0F46

JMP

P2HEXA

00516

•

00517

•OFFSET LOADER ROUTINE

00516

•IN FOFHAT

LT# DDDD

00519

•WHERE

D IS DESTINATION

00520

•

00521

0E70

OFLOAD

EOU

•

00522

0E70

BO

0C89

JSR

CIN4HX

FETCH ACTUAL STORAGE ADDRESS

00523

0E7 3

FF

A04E

STX

TEMPXI

SET POINTER

00524

0E76

66

1 1

LDA

A

#11 1

00525

0E78

8D

56

BSR

PRINT

TURN ON READER COMMAND

00526

0E7A

BI

3C

LDA

A

#S3C

00527

0E7C

B7

6007

STA

A

R DR CON

TUW ON RELAY

00528

0E7F

BD

0FFD

OLIN

JSR

CINPUT

FETCH A CHARACTER

00529

0E62

61

53

CMP

A

# # S

START?

00530

0L84

26

F9

WE

OLIN

NOT YET

00531

0E66

BO

0FFD

JSR

CINPUT

ANOTHER

00532

0L89

81

31

CMP

A

#*1

136 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

SOFTWARE SECTION

SOFTWARE APPLICATION

00533

0E8B

27

11

BEO

LOAD

OK START

00534

CE8D

81

39

CMP

A

#' 9

DJ D?

00535

3E8F

26

EE

ONE

OL IN

NO KEEP LOOKI

00536

0E9 1

86

34

OUT

LDA

A

#834

TURN OFF READER

00537

0E93

87

8007

STA

A

RDRCON

TURN OFF READER

00538

0E96

06

13

LDA

A

#813

00539

0E90

80

36

BSR

PRINT

READER OFF COMMAND

00540

0E9A

39

RTS

EXIT

00541

0E9B

7E

0CS2

INHEX2

JMP

1N2HEX

00542

0E9E

7 F

A05E LOAD

CL R

CM K SIM

RESET CHECK SIM

00543

0EAI

1 D

F8

BSR

INHEX2

FETCH CHARACTER COINT

00544

0EA3

Bfl

02

SUB

A

#2

SUBTRACT TWO

00545

0EA5

Q?

A05D

STA

A

BYTOIT

SET BYTE COINT

00546

0EA8

BD

0C67

JSR

IN4HEX

FETCH ADDRESS

00547

0EAB

FE

A04E

LDX

TIM PX 1

USE NEV OFFSET ADDRESS

00 540

0EAE

ar

ES

LOADST

BSR

INHEX2

FETCH A DATA BYTE

00 549

0EB0

BD

0B98

JSR

DANGER

BE CAREFUL

00550

0EB3

7A

A05D

DEC

BYTCNT

REDUCE BYTECOUJT

00551

0EB6

27

09

BEQ

CHECK

IF LINE I S FILL

00552

0E38

A7

00

STA

A

X

MO JUST PUT IN M DIO RY

00553

OEBA

A 1

00

CMP

A

X

IS IT THERE7

00554

0EBC

26

0B

ait

ABORT

NO MUST BE ROM

00555

0EBE

M

INX

00556

0EBF

20

ED

BRA

LOADST

OK KEEP STORING

00557

0EC 1

ff

A04E

CHECK

STX

TEMPXI

SAVE STORAGE POINTER

00558

0EC4

7C

A05E

INC

CHKSUM

CHECK SIM OK?

00559

0EC7

27

B6

BEO

OLIN

YES IT IS

00560

0EC9

86

3F

ABORT

LDA

A

#83F

00561

0ECB

8D

05

BSR

PRINT

PRINT "7*

00562

0ECD

31

C2

BSR

OUT

00563

0ECF

7E

0B9E

JMP

PERROR

00564

0ED2

7E

OFF A

PRINT

JMP

CPRINT

00565

•

00566

•OBJECT CODE

DUMP ROUTINE

00567

•

00568

BEDS

BD

0CA4

PIW TAB

JSR

IN2HX4

FETCH ADDRESS PARAMETERS

00569

0ED8

86

12

LDA

A

#812

SET DATA

0057 0

0EDA

8D

F6

BSR

PRINT

START PINCH

00571

0EDC

u

0BDS

JSR

P6*JUL

FEED OUT LEADER

0057 2

0EDF

FE

A 058

LDX

STARTX

FETCH ADDRESS

0057 3

0EE2

FF

A04C

STX

TIM PX

SAVE IT

00 57 4

BEES

B6

A05B

DIM!

LDA

A

BJDX*I

00575

0EE8

B0

A04D

SUB

A

TIMPX* 1

00576

0EEB

F6

A05A

LDA

B

DJ DX

00577

0EEE

FC

A04C

SBC

B

7IMPX

00570

0EFI

26

04

ait

DIM 2

00579

0EF3

81

20

CMP

A

#32

32 BYTES PER RECORD

00 500

0EF5

25

02

BC S

DIM 3

00 581

0EF7

86

IF

DUK 2

LDA

A

#31

00 582

0EF9

M

04

DIM 3

ADD

A

#4

00583

0EFB

B7

A0 5C

STA

A

FRMOJT

SET FRAME COINT

00584

0EFE

80

03

SUB

A

#3

00585

0F00

B7

A0 5D

STA

A

BYTOIT

SET BYTE COINT

00586

0F03

BD

0B6S

JSR

NEWL1N

START NEW LINE

00587

OF06

CE

0F6 1

LDX

#TPSTRG

POINT AT TAPE STRING

00588

0F09

BD

0FCC

JSR

PDATA

PRINT THE STRING

00509

0F0C

7 F

A05E

CLR

CHKSUM

00590

OFCF

CE

A0SC

LDX

JFfMOJT

00591

OF 12

8D

39

BSR

0UT2H

PRINT FPAK ECO IN T

00592

0FI4

CE A04C

LDX

#T!MPX

FETCH POINTER

00593

0F17

8D

44

BSR

0UT4HX

PRINT ADDRESS

00594

0F19

FE A04C

LDX

TIM PX

SET POINTER

00595

0FIC

8D

2F

DIM 4

BSR

0UT2H

PRINT THE DATA

00596

0F1E

7A

AOSD

DEC

BYTCNT

REDUCE BYTE COUNT

00597

0721

26

F9

B4E

DIM 4

KEEP DUMPING

e0598

0F23

FF

A04C

STX

TIM PX

SAVE ADDRESS POINTER

00599

0F26

73

A05E

COM

CHKSUM

INVERT

00600

0F29

Cc

AOSE

LDX

#CMXSIM

SET POINTER

00601

•F2C

8D

IF

BSR

0UT2H

PRINT CHECKSUM

00602

• F2E

FE

A04C

LDX

TIM PX

FETCH ADDRESS

00603

0F3I

pp

DEX

BACK ONE

00604

0F32

BC

A05A

CPX

DJ DX

WAS IT THE DID*

00605

0735

2 6

AE

WE

DIM 1

NO KEEP GOING

00606

0F37

86

53

LDA

A

#'S

SET AN S

00607

0F39

8D

97

BSR

PRINT

PRINT IT

00600

0F3B

86

39

LDA

A

#'9

AND A NINE

00609

0F3D

BD

93

BSR

PRINT

PRINT ALSO

00610

0F3F

BD

0BD5

JSR

P6 4NLL

FEED OUT TRAILER AND RTS

00611

OF 42

86

14

LDA

A

#814

SET DATA

00612

0F44

20

8C

BRA

PRINT

TURN OFF PUNCH

00613

00614

0061 5

00616

00610 0F46 36

00619 0F47 30

00620 0F48 BD 0FE3

00621 0F4B 32

00622 0F4C 39

00623

00624

00625

00626
00627
00620

•OUTPUT TWO HEX FROM DATA IN A
•X REGISTER ALTERED

P2HEXA PSH A
TSX

JSR P2HX0A

PUL A

RTS

SAVE A DATA
POINT AT DATA
PRINT IT
RESTORE STACK
EXIT

•OUTPUT TWO HEX CHARACTERS
•FROM DATA POINTED AT BY X
•CHECK SIM IS UPDATED
•X IS INCRIMINTED ONCE

00629

0F4D

37

0UT2H

PSH

B

SAVE B

00630

0F4E

BD

0FE3

JSR

P2HXDA

PRINT THE DATA

00631

0F51

09

DEX

BACK ONE ADDRESS

00632

0F52

E6

00

LDA

B

0# X

00633

0F54

08

INX

00634

0F55

F B

AOSE

ADD

B

CHKSUM

00635

0F58

F7

AOSE

STA

B

CHKSUM

RESTORE CHECKSUM

00636

0F5B

33

PUL

8

RESTORE B REG

00637

0F5C

39

RTS

•OUTPUT FOUR HEX CHARACTERS
•FROM ADDRESS POINTED AT BY X
•CHECK SIM UPDATED ACCORDINGLY
•X IS INCRIMINTED TWICE

0UT4HX BSR
BRA

•TAPE FOJMAT STRING

DO FIRST BYTE

DO THE SECOND AND EXIT

•BNPF TAPE PlWCH ROUTINE FOR S BIT PROMS

• FOW1AT SUITABLE FOR MOST MDS READERS

• SELECT PARAM ETEP.S IN FOW PB# SSSS# EEEE
•WERE 5 IS START ADDRESS AN E I S END ADDRESS
•INCLUSIVE. LEADERS JWJD TRAILERS ARE

•WHITT IN TO TAPE AND THE TAPE IS PINCHED
•WITH 8 1/2 INCH FOLD MARKS

FETCH PARAMETERS
FETCH END
AND ADD ONE
TO IT AND STORE
SET DATA

TO TURN PUNCH ON

DO NIL LEADER

DO RUBOUTS

SKIP NEW LINE

START NEW LINE

SET BYTE COCMT PER LINE

SET ASCII

PRINT A B

FETCH POINTER

END YET7

YES IT IS

FETCH THE DATA

IN CREMDJT POINTER

SAVE X AGAIN

PRINT A BYTE

SET ASCII

PRINT AN F

DECRIM D«T BYTE COINT

KEEP GOING

LINE DONE DO ANOTHER
SET COINT
DO RUBOUTS
SET CONTROL

TURN OFF PINCH AND EXIT

SET COINT

SET ALL ONES

PRINT A RUBOUT

REDUCE COINT

AND KEEP GOING TILL DONE

ITS DONE

PRINTER ROUTINE

0FAE 37
0FAF C6 00
0FBI 36
0FB2 0C
0FB3 46
0FB4 SA
0FB5 26 FA
0FB7 C6 00
0FB9 32
0FBA 46
0FBB 24 06
0FBD 06 50
0FBF 0D 39
0FC1 20 04
0FC3 06 4E
0FC5 0D 33
0FC7 5A
OFC0 26 EF
0FCA 33
0FCB 39

BITLOP PSH B
LDA B
PIN B I PSH A
CL C
ROR A
DEC B
»IE
LDA B
PUJN82 PUL A
ROR A
BCC
LDA A
BSR
BRA

PINB3 LDA A
BSR

PINB4 DEC B

MS

PUL B

POUT RTS

SAVE B REGISTER

SET BIT LOOP COINT

PUSH ON STACK

CLEAR CARRY

SHIFT RIGHT

REDUCE COINT

NOT DONE YET

SET BIT COUNT AGAIN

FETCH A BYTE OFF STACK

SHIFT INTO CARRY

NOT A ONE

SET ASCII

PRINT A P

SKIP

SET ASCII
PRINT AN N
REDUCE 01 TCOINT
NOT DONE YET
RESTORE B
EXIT » BYTE DONE

•PRINT AM ASCII DATA STRING
•INCREMENT X ONCE EACH CHARACTER
•EXIT WHEN EOT DJ COUNTERED

00722

0FCC

P DATA

EOU

•

007 23

0FCC

A6

00

LDA

A

X

FETCH THE DATA

00724

0FCE

81

04

CMP

A

#4

IS IT EOT?

00725

0FD0

27

F9

BEQ

POUT

YUP

00726

0FD 2

B9

26

BSR

CPRINT

PRINT THE CHARACTER

007 27

0FD4

08

INX

UP ONE ADDRESS

00728

0FD5

20

F5

BRA

PDATA

DO IT AGAIN

09729

•

007 30

•PRINT

CHARACTER IN A

007 31

•

00732

0FD7

HEXPRT

EOU

•

00733

0FDT

84

CF

AN D

A

#800001111 MASK UPPER BITS

007 34

0FD9

SI

09

CMP

A

#9

CHECK RANGE

007 35

0FD8

23

02

3L6

HEXI

0 TO 9

007 36

0FDD

8B

07

ADD

A

#7

A TO F

007 37

0FDF

•1

30

HEX 1

ADD

A

#8001 10000 MAKE INTO ASCII

007 38

0FEI

20

17

BRA

CPRINT

PRINT THE HEX

007 39
007 40
007 41
007 42
007 43

007 44 0FE3
00745 0FE5
007 46 0FE6
00747 0FE7
C07 48 OFE0
007 49 OF E9

00750 0FED
007 51 0FED
00752 0FEE
007 53

007 54
007 55
007 56

007 57 0FF0
007 58 OFF 2
007 59 0FF4
007 60

00761

00762
007 63

00764 3FF6

00765 0FF8
007 66

00767

00768

00769

00770

00771 0FFA
0077 2
00773
0077 4

00775

00776

00777
00776

00779 OFF D

00780

00751

•PRINT TV 0 HEX CHARACTERS
•FROM DATA POINTED TO BY X

0FE3 P2HXDA EOU

0FE3 A6 00
0FE5 47
0FE6 47
0FE7 47
0FE0 47
0FE9 0D EC
0FEB A6 00
0FED OB
0FEE 20 E7

FETCH THE DATA

ASR A DO UPPER NIBBLE

BSR HEXPRT PRINT ONE HEX

LDA A X FETCH THE DATA AGAIN

INX INCREMENT ADDRESS

BRA HEXPRT PRINT SECOND HEX AND EXIT

•PRINT TWO HEX M.US SPACE

M PRINT EOU •

BSR P2HXDA PRINT THE BYTE

SPACE LDA A #820 SET DATA

BRA CPRINT PRINT SPACE AND EXIT

•

•PRINT 4 HEX PLUS SPACE

P4HIXS EOU •

BSR P2HXDA FIRST BYTE

BRA HPRINT SECOND BYTE AND EXIT

•

•OUTPUT ONE CHARACTER IN # A #

•B AND X UJ ALTERED

CPRINT ECU •

JMP 8EIDI OR OTHER USER VECTOR

•

•INPUT ONE CHARACTER FROM # A '

•B AND X (HALTERED
•BIT 7 OF 'A* ACCUMULATOR
•M ASX ED TO A 0

CINPUT EOU •

JMP 8EIAC OR OTHER USER VECTOR

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 137

SOFTWARE SECTION

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

A Text Editor for the

INTRODUCTION

Extended BASIC interpreters and some assembler
packages come with a full text editor that makes it rela-
tively easy to correct typing errors. On the other hand,
4-K and 8-K BASICS have only limited editing capabili-
ties. The Processor Technology Software Package 1 (SP 1)
and the Westminster Byte Shop XEK package have edit-
ing features that are similar to the smaller BASICS. This
article describes a full text editor that can be patched in-
to the SP 1 and XEK packages.

THE SP 1 AND XEK PACKAGES

Processor Technology has made available to the
public the source listing of their SP 1. The monitor por-
tion contains the usual commands to enter hexadecimal
numbers into memory, dump a portion of memory to the
console, move a block of memory, and branch to
another program. (SP 1 was reviewed in the October
1976 issue of INTERFACE AGE.) The Byte Shop XEK
assembler package is largely based on SP 1 except that
it is disk oriented. It was reviewed in the June 1978 issue
of INTERFACE AGE.

A LIMITED EDITOR

Both of these packages have provisions for two types
of limited editing; one is character oriented, the other is
line oriented. If a mistake is noticed immediately after
typing it, the DEL (or RUB) key can be pressed. This
prints a backarrow (or underline on some terminals) and
deletes the character from the input buffer. If the output
is sent to a PTCo video display module (VDM), the cursor
backs up on the screen. Of course, the DEL key can be
pressed repeatedly to delete more than one character.

REPLACING AN ENTIRE LINE

If an error is not noticed until after the line is com-
pleted, the entire line has to be retyped. But if the com-
puterist is not an expert typist, another error may be
made when retyping the line. It is difficult to produce
error-free text with such a limited editor.

A FULL TEXT EDITOR

To make the SP 1 and XEK packages more useful, this
author has written a full text editor that can be easily
patched in. Briefly, the editor uses the line-replacement
software present in these packages. The line to be
edited is first located in the file buffer, copied to the in-
put buffer, edited while in the input buffer, then copied
back to the file buffer. The last step is easily accom-
plished by making the main package think that the
edited line has been entered from the console.

THE EDIT COMMANDS

The edit commands are similar to those used in the
extended BASIC distributed by MITS and TDL. If line
1130 is to be edited, give the command:

CUST 1130

for SP 1 or:

W 1130

for the XEK package. The file area is searched for the re-
quested line. If no such line exists, an error message is
printed, and control returns to the monitor. If the line is
found, it is copied into the input buffer, and the line
number is printed on the console. During the editing
session, the H,L register pair is used as a buffer pointer.

Pressing the space bar will print the next character
and advance the pointer one byte. Additional pressing of
the space bar will successively display the entire line.
However, there is a better way to view the text.

LOOK:

L Typing an L will display the remainder of the line,
output a carriage return, a line feed and print the
4-digit line number to await the next command.

ADDITIONAL COMMANDS ARE:

SEARCH:

S Typing an S followed by a character contained in
the line will move the cursor to this character and
print the intervening characters.
nS Typing a number from 1 to 9 before the S will move
the cursor to the n-th occurrence of the input
character.

DELETE:

D Typing a D will delete the next character and em-
bed it in a pair of backslash characters.
nD Typing a number from 1 to 9 ahead of the D will
delete the next n characters. The group of deleted
characters is embedded in backslashes.

INSERT:

I Typing an I followed by a string of characters will
cause these characters to be inserted into the line
at the cursor position. Error correction can be
made at this time with the DEL key, just as during
the initial entry of the line. A backarrow is printed
for each character deleted. On a PTCo VDM screen
the cursor is backed up deleting the character
from the screen.

The insert mode is terminated one of two ways: by
pressing the ESC key, in which case editing may
continue, or by typing a carriage return in which
case control returns to the monitor.

X Typing an X moves the cursor to the end of the line
and starts the insert mode. This command is used
to add characters to the end of a line.

REPLACE:

R The R command is a combination of delete and in-
sert. A single R will delete the present character,
embedding it in backslashes, then enter all addi-
tional characters into the input buffer until an ESC
or carriage return command is given.
nR Typing a number from 1 to 9 ahead of the R will
delete the next n characters before entering the
edit mode.

138 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

SOFTWARE SECTION

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

XEK and PTCo Assemblers

By Alan R. Miller, Contributing Editor

QUIT:

Q Typing a Q will return control to the monitor
without altering the original line. This command is
used whenever the edited line has become a mess,
and there is a need to start over.

CARRIAGE RETURN:

A carriage return will cause the edited line to
replace the original line in the tile. This is the nor-
mal exit from the editor.

Improper editor input will ring the console bell. If an
error is made in the repeat factor preceding the S, D, or
R, type the correct value, then the S, D, or R. Only the
last repeat factor will be used. Repeat factors in front of
other edit commands are ignored.

A SAMPLE EDIT

The following example illustrates the use of the
editor. Line 1 defines a file named TEST starting at ad-
dress 8000 HEX. Line 2 is the system response to line 1.
Lines 3 and 4 were entered from the keyboard into the
file named TEST. The text editor is invoked at line 5 for
the editing of line 1010 in the file. The typing of an “L”
(for look) displays the entire line (line 6). The command
“SD” at line 7 moves the cursor to the first occurrence
of the character "D” and prints the intervening charac-
ters. A ‘‘4D” command deletes the next four characters
and embeds them in backslashes (line 7). An entry of
"L” prints the remainder of the line and a second “L"
(line 8) prints the revised line.

For line 9, an “SC” command moves the cursor to the
letter C, and an “112345” inserts the five numbers. An
ESC and an “L" finish line 9. At line 10, a "2SD" com-
mand moves the cursor to the second occurrence of the
letter D. A "2R" command deletes the next two charac-
ters, then the 1236 are inserted, followed by a DEL to
delete the 6 so that a 4 can be entered. An ESC and "L”
finish line 10. A second “L” displays the current version
(line 11). Line 12 illustrates the use of the “X” command
to add characters to the end of the line. Here the final 8
was deleted with the DEL key. An ESC and an "L" pro-
duces line 13, and a carriage return finishes the edit
mode, printing the line in its final form. Control then
passes to monitor (line 15).

The list command shows both lines in the file. Line
1010 is now the edited version (line 17). Line 1000 is
edited next (line 18). The "L" command looks at the line
(line 19). A “3ST” followed by an “RN” and an ESC
replaces the letter T with an R. Additional editing pro-
duces line 23 which is then scrapped with the “Q” com-
mand. The next list command shows that the original
line 1000 was unaltered by the last edit (line 16 vs. line 26).

PATCHING IN THE EDITOR

SP 1 has an extra command "CUST" which causes a
branch to address E000 HEX. If your SP 1 is not in PROM,
you can change the CUST command to EDIT using the
monitor features of SP 1. The address to patch is F28D.
Give the command:

ENTR F28D (carriage return)

then type:

45 44 49 54/

the ASCII representation of the letters EDIT. Now the
command:

EDIT 1010 (carriage return)

can be given to edit line 1010. If this editor must be
assembled at another location, put the new address into
SP 1 at address F291 HEX.

Patching XEK is a little more involved. All the letters A
through Z are used for other commands. But since there
are two different sets of cassette commands, one has
been converted (the W command) for use with the editor.
Patch location 32F0 HEX with the address of the text
editor. Then the command:

W 1010

can be used to edit line 1010.

THE ASSEMBLY LISTING

The editor shown in the assembly listing is assembled
for use with the XEK package. The only special patch is
the equate CONIN which must be the console input rou-
tine. This is necessary since XEK won’t accept the ESC
command. The editor can be reassembled for SP 1 by
changing the equate XEKVER from TRUE to FALSE.

After writing this text editor, the small size may be a
surprise (just over 300 bytes). One wonders why text
editors are not put into more programs. Editors for
assemblers are simpler than those for BASIC. This is
because most BASICS convert reserved words such as
FOR, NEXT and GOTO to single bytes. A BASIC text
editor has to first unpack each line, converting it back to
the original. Then after the line is edited, it must be
repacked before being placed back into the file buffer.D

SAMPLE RUN

t "TEST" 6000
T15T 8000 60C0

IO0C ; CD2ANSTPAT1AI2 Sf TEXT LOITAP
1010 2 APCDEf GABCDEFOABCDEFG

V 1010

1010 ; APCOEF GABCOLFGAbCLEF L>

1010 2 ABCNL-EFG\APCDLf GABCOLFC

1010 2 AB CAL' CLEF CAB CD LI 0

1010 2 API2345CAPCDFFCAPCLUG

1010 2 ABl234SCABC0LFGAPC\LE\ I23f-4FG

1010 2 ABI23«SCABCDE>GAeCl23«>G

1010 2 AP 123««CA8CDEFGAEC l 234*05678-

1010 2 Air I 2 345 CAB CLEF GAtC I234FG5£7

1010 2 At I 234SCAPC0EFGAPC 1234FC567

P

1000 2 DD2AN STRATI A*2 AF TEXT ED1T3P
1010 2 ABI2343CABC0EF GABC|234FG*67

V tooo

10CO 2 DL1A M 5 TPAT I AN AF TEXT EOITJP

10C0 2DB4M STRATUM Jf \T\NEXT EDI TAP

1000 J DEN3M STRATI AN AF 2 EXT EDI TAP ADD TA LND

IC00 ; D&lAMSTRATlAN AF V2EXT \ £01 TAP ALL TA £20

1000 2 ODlAN STRATI AN At EOXTAP ADO TA £20

1000

P

1000 2 DE/M.2S TAATIAN J f TEXT EDI TAP
1010 2 AB 1 23 4 SCAB GOLF GABC I 2 34 F GS 67

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 139

SOFTWARE SECTION

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM LISTING

TEXTEDIT* A TEXT EDITOR HP THE XE X ASSt.1fcL.LF
PACKAGE AH 0 THE PTCO 5P I

(HK AN 6080 OR Z80 Ml CRJPRJCESS0P1

PROGRAMMED BY ALAN R. MILLER
NEW .1 L.X l C J TECH. SOCORRO. MM 67801
505*6 35“ 5619 JUNE 4. 1978

0000 >

m» •

FALSE EOU 0

TRUE EOU MOT FALSE

FFFF

XfXVEP EOU TRUE / XIX VERSION TRUE

THE EDITOR COMMANDS ARE SIMILAR TO THJSE USED
IN HITS AND TDL EXTENDED BASIC.

FOR THE XEK VERSION. PATCH THE “IT COMMAND AT
32F0 H TO JIMP TO THL START OF THIS EDITOR.

TO EDIT LIME 1010 TYPEi
W 1010

AMD THE PROGRAM COUNTER WILL BRANCH TB THIS EDITOR.

FOR SPI. USE THE CUST COMMAND.

TO EDIT LINE NUMBER 1010 TYPE*

CUST 1010

AND THE PPOGRAM COUNTER WILL JUMP TO EOOOH.

IF Y8UP SP I IS NOT IM RJM. CHANGE THE COMMAND ‘CUST*
Tfl ‘EDIT* AT ADDRESS F26DH. THE COMMAND IS THEN*

EDIT 1010

THE FOUR-DIGIT LIME NUMBER WILL BE PRINTED. AND THE
TEXT EDITOR WILL EXPECT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING*

COMMANDS TO LOOK AT THE LIN Li

EACH PRESSING OF THE SPACE BAR WILL ADVANCE THE
CURSOR JNE BYTE AND PRINT THE CORRESPONDING
CHARACTER. OR TYPE*

L TO LOOK AT THE ENTIRE LIME.

SEARCH*

S FOLLOWED BY A CHARACTER WILL MOVE THE CURSOR
TO THE INPUT CHARACTER AND PRINT THE INTERVENING
CHARACTERS*

OPTIONALLY. A NUMBER FROM I TO 9 MAY PRECEED THL
S IN WHICH CASE THE CURSOR WILL MOVE TO THE M-TH
OCCURANCE OF THE CHARACTER.

DQ.ETE*

D WILL DD.LTE THL NEXT CHARACTER OR OPTIONALLY. A
NUMBER FROM I TO 9 PRECEEDINC THE D WILL DELETE
THE NEXT N CHARACTERS. DELETED CHARACTERS ARE
IMBEDDED IN BACKSLASHES.

INSERT*

I FOLLOWED BT ANY NtWBE» OF CHA«ACTE»S WILL INSERT
THE CHARACTERS IN THE LINE. THE INSERT MODE IS
IS TERMINATED BY PRESSING ‘ESC*. IN WHICH CASE
EDITING MAY CONTINUE. OR BY A CARRIAGE RETURN IN
WHICH CASE CONTROL RETURNS TO SP !•

WHILE IN INSERT MODE. TYPING A ‘DEL VRUBOVT'
WILL MOVE THE CURSOR TO THE LEFT. DELETING ONE
CHARACTER EACH TIME IT IS PRESSED.

A BACKARROV IS PRINTED FOR EACH DELETE.

X WILL HOVE THE CURSOR TO THE END OF THE LINE AND
ENTER THE INSERT MODE. THIS IS USEFUL FOR
ADDING THINGS TO THE END OF A LINE*

P (FOR REPLACE) WILL DELETE THE NEXT CHARACTER
AND ENTER THE INSERT MODE. OPTIONALLY. TYPING
A NUMBER FROM I TO 9 WILL DELETE THAT MANY
CHARACTERS BEFORE ENTERING THE INSERT MODE.

0 < QUIT) IS A COP-OUT. IF THE LINE HAS GOTTEN
AWFULLY SCPEVED UP. TYPING A Q WILL RETURN THE
LINE TO ITS ORIGINAL FORM (NO QUESTIONS ASKED).

TYPE A CARRIAGE RETUPN WHIN THE LINE IS IN ITS
FINAL FORM. CONTROL WILL RETURN TO SP !•

IMPROPER INPUT WILL RING THE KEYBOARD BILL.
i///;///;/;;;//;///////////////////////iii/////i/i///

EOOO

ORC 0 EOOOH ; START OF EDITOR

EQUATES

OOOD

•

ASCR

EOU

I >

TITLE

F80B

CON I N

ECU

3057

CRP1 1

EQU

3113

VCMK

EQU

30C6

INS

EQU

30 DF

OUTS

EQU

30E0

CRLF

EQU

349D

LINE

EQU

3036

EOR

EQU

3600

WHAT

EQU

3555

LMOV

EOU

355E

RMS V

EQU

3526

FIND

EQU

32A0

SCRN

EQU

40AF

I BUF

EQU

ELSE

TITLE

i

CRPI I

EQU

VCHIX

EOU

INS

EQU

0 UT8

EQU

13 / CARRI AGL RETURN

XEXVER

‘EDITOR FOR XEX ASSEMBLER’

0F60SH I CONSOLE INPUT

3057H ICR* II

3II3H

30C6H

30DFH

30EDH

349 DH

3036H

3 BOOH

3555H

3SSEM

352 6H

32A0H

40AFH

•EDITOR FOR SP I*

0F047H
OF 29 3M
0F08EM
0FQ9BM

CONIM

EQU

IM

CPFL

EQU

OFOAtH

LINE

EQU

0F476M

EOR

EQU

OFOI FH

WHAT

EOU

OF 4 1 AH

LM8 VE

EQU

0F534H

RHOV

EQU

0F53DH

FIND

EQU

0F505H

SCRN

EQU

0F2I3H

1 BUF

EQU
IMD1 F

ODOACH

///////////////////////////////////////////j//////////

o

o

3

CDI33I

EDIT*

CALL

VCMK

) CHECK THAT A LINE NIMBLR

l

WAS ENTERED

E003

CD2 635

CALL

FIND

/ FIND LINE NUMBER IN FILE

LOOt

C2D036

JNE

WHAT

)N8 SUCH LINE NUMBER

£009

1 IAE40

LX I

D. I BUF*

1

EOOC

7E

EDI T2*

MOV

A. H

I COPY FROM FILE TO I BUF

EOOD

FEOD

CPI

ASCR

ICR?

EOOF

12

STAX

D

EOIO

CAI8E0

JZ

EDITS

I QUIT ON CR

LQ 1 3

23

INX

H

EO 1 4

13

I NX

D

E0I5

C30CEO

JHP

EDI T2

IN EXT CHAR

EO 18

CDED30

EDITS*

CALL

CRLF

IRESTAPT LINE

EOIB

2IAF40

LXI

M. 1 BUF

EO I E

OEOS

M VI

C. 5

E020

46

EDI T4*

MOV

B.M

I PRINT LINE NUMBER

£02 1

CDDF30

CALL

0 UT8

E024

23

INX

H

E025

OD

DCR

C

E026

C220E0

JNZ

ED1T4

£029

o to 1

EDITIN*

M VI

C. 1

1 SET REPEAT TO 1

E02B

C DC 630

EDIN2*

CALL

1N8

1 INPUT EDIT COMMAND

E02E

FE20

CPI

• •

1 SPACE MOVES CURSOR

EO 30

CA79E0

JZ

EOSPC

E033

FEOD

CPI

ASCR

IOUIT ON CR

EO 3 5

CA8 6E0

JZ

EOEXIT

EO 38

FE4C

CPI

*L*

tO 3 A

CA9 5E0

JZ

EDLOOK

I LOOK AT LINE

LO 3D

FE5I

CPI

’C‘

J OUI T

EO 3 F

CA3630

JZ

LOR

IRESTORE ORIC LINE

E042

FI 49

CPI

‘I ‘

E044

CAC4E0

JZ

LD1NSR

1 IN SEPT

tO 4 7

F 1.4 4

CPI

’ D '

E049

CA04EI

JZ

EDDELT

I DELETE

E04C

FE53

CPI

‘S‘

E04E

CA9BL0

JZ

EDSRCH

I SEARCH

ton

Fisa

CPI

‘R ‘

tO S3

CA29EI

JZ

EDREPL

1 REPLACE

tost

FES8

CPI

•x •

IJUMP TO END AND

EO 58

CA3BEI

JZ

LL END

1 STA»T INSERT

EO S B

F 1 57

CPI

•v

1 SKIP TO NEXT VO VL

E0 5D

CAPFEO

JZ

EWOPD

EOIO

FE3I

CPI

M *

1 CHECK FOP REPEAT FACTOR

EO 62

DA7I EO

JC

LL1M3

1 IPROR. « I

LO 65

FL3A

CPI

’9 *• l

E067

D271E0

JS4C

ED1N3

1 ERROR. > 9

E0 6A

DE30

SB1

30H

I REMOVE A5C1 1 BIAS

tote

3C

1NR

A

E06C

4 F

MOV

C. A

I SAVE REPEAT FACTOP

to tt

C32BEO

JHP

EDIN2

I GET LETTEP COMMAND

to 71

0607

ELIN 3*

H VI

B. 7

LO 7 3

CDDF30

CALL

OUTS

.PING BELL ON ERROF

E076

C 329 LO

JMP

EDITIN

.‘AND RESTART EDIT

I SUBROUTINE TO PRINT PRESENT CHARACTER AND
I ADVANCE THL POINTER

/

E079

46

EDSPC* MOV

B.M

/ADVANCE POINTER

E07A

FEOD

CPI

ASCR

1 END OF LINE?

E07C

CA16E0

JZ

EDI T3

/RESTART ON IM D

EOT F

CCDF30

CALL

OUTS

/PRINT CHARACTER

EO 8 2

23

INX

H

EO 8 3

C329E0

JMP

EDITIN

/NEXT COHAN D

/ SUBROUTINE TO PRINT THE REMAINDER OF THE LINE.
I PLACE THE REVISED LINE IN THL FILL.

I AND RETURN TO SOFTWARE PACKAGE I

lose

C0A032

/

EDEXIT*

CALL

SCRN

/PRINT REST OF LINE

E0S9

2 1 At 40

LXI

H. I BUF

EOSC

CD4IEI

CALL

FCR

/ GET LINE LENCTM

£06 F

CDS730

CALL

CRPI 1

/PUT CR AND EOF

/

INDICATOR AT EM D OF LINE

£092

C 39034

JMP

LINE

/REPLACE 0 PI GIN AL LINE

/

/

WITH EDITED LINE

I SUBROUTINE TO PRINT THE REMAINDER flF THE LINE
J AND RESTART EDIT MODE

E095 CDA032 EELOOKt CALL SCRN I PRINT PEST OF LINE AND
E098 C3I8E0 JHP EDITS I AND RESTART EDIT

I

I SUBROUTINE TO SEARCH FOP THE N-TM OCCURANCE
J OF AN INPUT CHARACTER. ALL CHARACTERS UP TO
I BUT NOT INCLUDING THE SEARCH CHARACTER ARE PRINTED.
I

L09B

C DC 630

EDSRCH*

CALL

1.N8

/INPUT SEARCH CHARACTER

£09 E

FE20

CPI

• 1

LOAO

DA9BE0

JC

EDSRCH

/SKIP CONTROL CHARACTER

tO A 3

51

LDSR4*

MOV

E. A

/SAVE SEARCH BYTE

tO A 4

46

MOV

B.M

tO A 5

CDDF30

CALL

OUTS

LOAO

23

INX

H

E0A9

7E

EDSR2*

MOV

A.M

/FETCH CURRENT BYTE

LOAA

FEOD

CPI

ASCR

/CARRI ACL RETURN?

tOAC

CAI8E0

JZ

EDITS

/JIMP OM C/D Jl LINE

LOAF

BO

CMP

E

* COMPARE TO SEAPCH BYTE

LOBO

C2B7E0

JNZ

E0SR3

.’MOVE POINTER IF NOT FOUND

EO B 3

OD

DCR

C

/A MATCH. DICR CO IN T

E0B4

CA29E0

JZ

EDITIN

/JUMP IF N TH OCCURANCE

E0B7

47

EDSP3*

MOV

B. A

L0B8

CDDF30

CALL

0UT8

/PRINT CURRENT BYTE

LOBB

23

INX

H

EOBC

C3A9E0

JHP

EDSP2

/ SKIP

TO NEXT

WORD

140 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

SOFTWARE SECTION

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

EOBF

3E20

EWRDs M VI

A* ‘ *

EOCI

C3A3EO

JMP

E0SR4

1 SUBROUTINE

TO

INSERT

A CHARACTER IN THE LINE

; IT MAY BE AN

ESC CHAPACTEP

E0C4

COOS 78

EDXNSRi CALL

CON IN

1 GET INSERT CHARACTER

E0C7

f El B

CPI

IBH

l ESCAPE?

E0C9

CA29EO

JZ

EDI TIN

1 END IN SEPT

EOCC

1 E20

CPI

• *

10 CE

DAC4E0

JC

LD1NSR

ISKIP CONTROL CHARACTERS

EODI

FE7F

CPI

77H

l DELETE?

E0D3

CAF2E0

Jt

LDBACK

1 BACKUP CUP SO R

EO D 6

47

MOV

Os A

1007

C00F30

CALL

OUTS

1 PRINT INSERTED CHAR

LOOM

»

OCX

H

EOD B

It

aa v

As .4

1 FETCH PRESENT CHAR

EOCC

2F

CMA

J COMPLEMENT IT

EODD

77

MS V

Ms A

I replace it

LOOK

4F

HIV

Cs A

FUSE FOR STOP ON Rt CHT SHIFT

EODF

C041E1

CALL

FCR

1 FIND CR LOCATION

E0E2

54

aav

DsK

E0E3

50

MS V

EsL

E0E4

23

I.VX

H

EOES

CD5E35

CALL

rmo v

1 SHI FT Rl GHT

E0E8

70

MS V

Ms B

1 INSERT CHARACTER

E0E9

2B

OCX

H

LOLA

7E

IS V

AsH

E0EB

IF

CMA

1 COMPLEMENT BACK

EOEC

77

aav

Ms A

EO EO

23

INX

H

LOLL

23

1NX

H

LOLf

C3C4E0

JMP

EDI N SR

1 NEXT INSPT

1 SUBROUTINE

TO

DELETE

A CHARACTER (WITH DEL

1 COMMAND) VM LI

IN INSERT MOOE* POINTER IS BACKED

I UP ONE AND

A

BACK ARR0V IS PRXMTLC*

EO 72

SEA 7

EDBACKi M VI

AsLOV 1

IBUF IL0V HALF OF 1BUF

EOF 4

BO

CMP

L

7 TOO FAR BACK 7

EO 7 5

CA29E0

JZ

EDI TIN

1 YES

E07S

2B

OCX

H

EO 79

0657

M VI

Bs 5FH

I BACK ARROW

tore

C00730

CALL

OUTS

1 PRINT IT

tort

CD27EI

CALL

EDSHL

l DELETE CHARACTER

EIOI

C3C4E0

JMP

E01NSP

l SUBROUTINE

TO

DELETE

•N CHARACTERS* OEL ETED

; CHARACTERS

A »t IMBEDDED IN BACKSLASHES*

El 04

COCA El

EDDELTl CALL

LD0L2

S* DELETE AND SHIFT LEFT

EI07

C 329 L0

JMP

EDI TI N

iNEXT COMMAND

EIOA

C024EI

ED0L2I CALL

BACKSL

l PRINT BACKSLASH

EIOO

7E

MOV

AsH

l FETCH CHARACTER

EI0E

7 tOO

CPI

ASCR

1 END OF LINE?

El 10

C217EI

J nz

ED0L4

El 13

II

PSP

PSV

I LINE END* RAISE STACK

El 14

C3ISEO

JMP

EDITS

1 RESTART LINE

El 1 7

46

EO0L4I MS V

Bs M

t FETCH CURRENT CHARACTER

El IS

CDDF30

CALL

OUTS

) PRINT DELETE CHAR

El IB

cs

PUSH

B

ISAVE DELETE COUNT <IN C>

El 1C

CD2FEI

CALL

EDSHL

El 1 7

Cl

POP

B

El 20

0D

OCR

C

1 DECREMENT DELETL COlMT

El 2 1

C2I7EI

JNZ

LULL 4

J N EXT DBLLTE

El 24

0 6SC

BACKSLi M VI

Bs

1 PRINT A BACKSLASH

El 26

C3D7 30

JMP

SUTS

l SUBROUTINE

TO

REPLACE N CHARACTERS WITH ANY

1 MEMBER OF OTHER CHARACTERS* ESCAPE KEY

1 RETURNS TO

EDI T MODE

El 29

COOAEI

EDREPLi CALL

LOLL 2'

i DELETE AMD LEFT SHIFT

E12C

C3C4E0

JMP

ED1NSR

I THEN INSERT

7 SUBROUTINE

TO

SHIFT LEFT THE REMAINDER 07 THE LINE

El 2 7

ES

EOSHLi PUSH

H

1 SAVE POINTER

El 30

54

MOV

DsH

El 31

5D

MS V

EsL

E132

13

INX

D

El 33

OEOD

M VI

Cs ASCR

El 35

C05535

CALL

LMS V

l SHI FT LEFT

El 36

71

MOV

Ms C

JPUT CARPI ACE RETURN IN

El 39

El

POP

H

EISA

C9

RET

7 SUBROUTINE

TO

PRINT

REMAINDER OF LINE* MOVE

J POINTER TO

END* ML

ENTER INSERT MODE

El SB

CDA032

EDEMDi CALL

SCRN

I PRINT REMAINDER OF LINE

EI3E

C3C4E0

JMP

EDI MSP

JRLSTART IN SEPT MODE

; SUBROUTINE

TO

FIND THE LINE LENGTH AND ADDRESS OF

; THE CARRIAGE

RETURN

AT THE END OF THE LINE

El 41

1 E0 1

FCPi M VI

Es 1

E 1 43

1C

FCRIl INR

E

El 44

7E

aav

AsM

1 FIND CR

El 4 5

7E0D

CPI

ASCP

El 47

CS

PZ

El 45

23

INX

H

El 49

C343EI

JMP

FCR I

El 4C

end

GOOD

ASCR

El 24

BACKSL

7808

CON IN

30 ED

CPLF

3057

CRPII

E0F2

LDBACK

EIOA

EODELT

EIOA

L0DL2

El 17

ton. 4

El 38

EDEMC

EOS 6

ED EMIT

E02B

LD1N2

EO 7 I

COIN 3

E0C4

EDI N SR

E000

EDIT

LOOC

EDI T2

EO IS

EDIT3

E020

EDXT4

E029

EDI TIN

E095

EDLiOK

El 29

EDREPL

El 2 7

EDSHL

EO 79

EOSPC

tO A 9

LDSP2

LOB?

E05R3

L0A3

EDSP4

E09B

EDSRCil

3036

LOR

LOBF

EVORD

0000

FALSE

E 1 4 1

FCP

El 43

FCR l

3526

FIND

40A7

IBUF

30C 6

INS

349D

LINE

3555 LHOV

30DF

OUTS

35SE

PMO V

32A0

SCRN

FFFF

TRUE

3113

VCHK

3600

UN AT

FFFF

XEK VEP

OCTOBER 1978

DISK TRS-80 DISK

Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, CPA Gen. Ledger,
Gen. Payroll, Farm Payroll, Job Cost, Word Processing

IMMEDIA TE DELIVER Y
FULL CHAINING CAPABILITY
ALL SYSTEMS LICENSED

For sample reports send $6.00 to cover postage & handling.
Each system is priced at $240.00 with 3 system minimum.
First time user cookbook documentation.

Money Order, VISA, Master Charge only. Please.
Please state 2 or 3 disk systems.

PAYROLL
ACCTS. PAYABLE
ACCTS. REC.

GEN. LEDGER
JOB COST

2 DISK SYSTEM
125 EMPLOYEES
200 VENDORS
250 CUSTOMERS
100 ACCOUNTS
25-45 JOBS

3 DISK SYSTEM
250 EMPLOYEES
400 VENDORS
500 CUSTOMERS
200 ACCOUNTS
50-130 JOBS

COMPUTER SYSTEMS
DESIGN, INC.

P.O. Box 735
Yakima, WA. 98907

IciRCLE INQUIRY NO. 94 Call 1-509-575-0320

BASF diskettes . . .

the industry standard

100% certified at single
density. Our experience in-
dicates low error rates at 4X
single density. SATISFACTION
GUARANTEED. Return diskettes
with packing list in original con-
tainer within 15 days of receipt to
obtain refund.

choose trow the following one-side diskettes:

8 INCH: one sector (soft) or 32 sector (hard)

5V4 INCH: one sector; ten sector; 16 sector

Mix or match boxes of 20 diskettes to take advantage of
quantity 40 or 80 VOLUME PRICING:

QTY.

AMOUNT

PRICE

EACH

10

45.00

4.50

20

85.00

4.25

40

160.00

4.00

80 or more

288.00/80

3.60

TO ORDER state size, sector, and quantity. Add $5.00
for handling. Wisconsin residents add 4% sales tax or
send copy of your resale permit. Please allow three
weeks for personal checks to clear. Charge and cash
orders shipped in three working days.

Madison Business Systems

1863 Monroe Street
Madison. Wl 53711
Phone (608) 255-2236

Open 10-6 Mon. -Sat.

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 26

INTERFACE AGE 141

KIM-1 $179

With Power Supply $209

PET software and hardware

Write for list of KIM and PET accessories

A B Computers

P.O. Box 104, Perkasie, PA 18944

COMPUTER PAPER
Dealers and agents wanted
Introductory Otter

2 dozen boxes of 2.500 sheet. 9 W wide, continuous
fold eye ease bond paper. $164.00, includes delivery
This is a fraction of its regular price and is our way
of introducing our product.

John Mussina

7006 Forbs Way Citrus Heights, CA 95610

1 Chock our prices — Wo will not bo undorooldl

POLY-8813

1 drive No monitor

$2500

POLY-88

Systsm 2

$575

IMSAI 1-8080

22 Slot

$575

IMSAI

PC Boerds/KIte

15% Off

NORTH STAR

NDS-A Kits

$585

EXTENSYS

Memory

20% Oft

AAAA Computer How’s

1477 Barrington, Suits 17

| W. Los Angelas, CA 90025 (213) 477-8478 |

IT’S ABOUT TIME!

Finally, a COMPLETE disk utility package for the
NORTH STAR MICRO DISK SYSTEM A MUST for
both BUSINESS and hobby systems, PKGUT1 on
diskette includes the following

PACKIT — Packs & Unpacks disk files
so you can get more storage per disk! CHANGIT —
Prints. Dumps and/or Changes data in disk liles up
lo a global level SORTIT — A generalized sorting
utility COMPIT — File comparison utility Will com-
pare disk files sequentially or by key and display dif-
ferences Diskette with lull user's
documentation $80.00

North Star BASIC games ROADRACE. EVENWINS.
BIORHYTHM. 3D TICTAC. and the addicting SUPER
WUMP' PKGN1 (5 games on diskette) $15.00

VDM GAMES (requires SOLOS or CUTER): Real time
ROBOTS and ASTEROID* PKGVt (2 games on 1200
baud CUTS tape) $20 00

aa:#«*** P.O. Box 922. Madison Square

IVlICrO Station. New York, NY 10010

Logistics N Y - res - ad< * applicable sales tax

isam For MicRomus

• RAGSAfl allows you to Croat*. Retrieve, and
Updato data records by uior defined keys

• Interactive Tutorial Proqrae, I’ll* Duwp
Utility, and User Guide are also included

* Coeprehen* lve User Guide Includes gener-
alized ISAM concepts (IS ordered separately)

* Only $75 for complete *40$ Aft package
(Distributed on Rod II dlskotte)

Micro Application* Group

y 7300 CALOUS AVt , VAN MUV5. CA 91406 v

CONSULTANTS

Let us get together and run a full
page color ad with individual
addresses and divide the cost.
Write Micro Logic Corp., Box 174,
Hackensack, New Jersey 07602.

6800 SOFTWARE

REAL TIME CLOCK — Software -t instructions for
'adding a REAL TIME CLOCK to your computer For
under $3. in additional parts, this interrupt will give
i your SWTPC 0K BASIC, or machine language pro-
grams the time ol day $7.50

GRAPH #1 — Create real-time graphics with ease
from your machine language program — also
generates ASCII characters* Uses the SWTPC GT 61
display $5.50

Each program requires a 6800 with MIKBUG. or com-
patible monitor Memory required: under 2K, Full
source listing and MIKBUG paper tape are included,
or add $1 .00 for Kansas City format cassette lo each
price above

*We also have GAMES. UTILITY PROGRAMS, and a
FORTRAN CROSS ASSEMBLER Write for flyer!
‘Coming soon, an enhanced Graphics package wdh
ASCII. Russian, and Greek characters plus other
features. Please write for details.

APPLIED MICROCOMPUTER SYSTEMS

Box 66. Silver Lake. NH 0387S

UNEXPLAINED GLITCHES/CRASHES?

AC Power Line surges and hash could be the culprit!
Our Surge Suppressors and Hash Filters curb
damaging surges and disruptive hash Send sett-
addressed, stamped envelope for FREE Surge and
Hash Cures llyer. Get your SuppressortFilter at your
Dealer or order direct

S'F KW-3 1000 watt line cord unit S20 95

ELFiT 10 10 amp wire in unit $17 25

ELECTRONIC SPECIALISTS, DEPT. IF
171 S. Main St., Natick. MA 01760

Add-on Floppy Drives:

SA800/1 (8") S459

SA400 S285

SA800/1 (8") S459

SA400 S285

Tarbell controller SI 80

4" Diskettes ..: S3.29

CALL THE CIT HOTLINE (714) 979-9923
2080 South Grand. Santa Ana. CA 92705

COMPUTALKER USERS

• Our software interfaces withComputalker's
CSR1 software to let you program in ordi-
nary English. Good-bye FOW3NEH2TIK
SPEH2LIH3NX!

•Object code on CUTS or paper tape and'
fully annotated source listing S49.

UPPER CASE books

502 E. John Street Champaign, IL 61820

SHORTY CASSETTES

C-10 low noise high output. Short enough to rewind
and still hold many programs. “Scotch" brand "Posi-
Trak” tape in special shells with spring loaded pres-
sure pads. $1.50 ea. — 10 for $14.00.

“SCOTCH” Brand DISKETTES

Single sided • single density. Specify disk unit —
Regular and mini. $5.25 ea — 5 for $25.50 — 10
lor $44.00 in 2 piece storage box. Send $1.00 for
complete supply catalog with refund coupon.

e*

2400 BESSEMER STREET
WOODLAND HILLS. CA 91367

D.C. METRO AREA

TYSONS CORNER. VIRGINIA

COMPUTER SYSTEMS STORE

Microcomputers & Peripherals
(or Home. School. & Small Business
1 984 Chain Bridge Rd , McLean, VA 22101
703-821 -8333

SOFTWARE lor - ''i

MICROPOLIS

MICROPOLIS BASIC is great BUT-
WE’VE MADE IT EVEN BETTER !!!

The BEM-l makes programming a SNAP!

• Append programs or subroutines ftom disk

• Most powerful EDIT function available
(Change a character, a line,

or even the line number!).

• Formatted listings lor easy readability cross-
referenced to all GOTO and G0SUB entry points
Correct pagination and titling with any printer

• Sorted list of all variables and function calls

• Computes program size, variable storage space
required and true space left

• Automatic program titling.

• A renumber that does it all

• And even more!!

100";, compatible with all your programs
No increased memory requirement
Fully documented user manual
Basic Expansion Module (BEM-I)

Available from stock $45.00
Coming soon - Optimizing Compiler, full
Business packages. & MUCH MUCH MORE!! 1

SYSTEMATION. INC.

P.O. Box 75
Rlchton Park. IL 60471
V (312) 481-2420 J

142 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

GOT A DIRTY APPLE?

GET A COMPUTER CANOPY
DUST COVER FOR THE APPLE II

Attractive, heavy, upholstery vinyl.
Choice of textured walnut or tan.
$14.95 PPD in USA. 5% tax in Texas.
MC/VISA/M.O. Ship stock to 2 weeks.

DIGITAL DYNAMICS, INC.

P.O. Box 27243, Department I
San Antonio, TX 78227

C10+ CASSETTES

DESIGNED FOR MICROCOMPUTERS

Price includes cassette, hard box. 2 extra
labels and shipping. 30 day warranty Calif,
customers add sales tax. Send check or bank
card no., expiration date and signature. VISA
and M/C accepted.

Sample $1. 10 Pack $7.50, 50-Rack $32.50.
Dealer inquiries invited.

MICROSETTE COMPANY

777 Palomar Avenue. Sunnyvale. CA 94086

From the wonderful
folks who brought
you iCOM-CP/M!

MICROPOLIS-CP/NI*

Computer Mart now brings CP M software to
MICROPOUS users, giving the MICROPOUS
disc owner the full capacities ot CP M . while
retaining lull access to Micropolis' operating
system PLUS — Direct load and start CP/M

• Automatic program execution • Dynamic
disc space allocation • Random access on
all tiles • HIGH speed disc read and write

• Full compatibility with all
other CP/M systems

Callus!

Dealer inquires invited. r », m,
Computer Mart ol New Jersey ,n ’" '

501 Route 27. Ijelm, HJ 08830 . 20t -283-0600
Tue -Sal 10:00-6 00 • Toe & Thur til 9:00

Computer Marl ol Pennsylvania

S50 DeKalb PAe. Kmo ol Prussia. PA I9A06 • 215-265-2580
Tue -TImji 11 00-9 00 • Fri & Sal 10:00-6 00

•CP M it a reQtsUfKi tuOtmut of Pwpitai Retmcn Ctxp

MICRO-MARKET AD RATE:

$50.00 per column inch. Maxi-
mum of 4 column inches per
ad. Submit ads to:

Micro-Market Ads
INTERFACE AGE Magazine,

PO Box 1234
Cerritos, CA 90701.

FIFO FLEA
MARKET

FOR SALE: SWTPC 6800 system, 16K
memory. CT-1024 with 16x64 mod.,
AC-30 cassette interface. PR-40 printer, 2
serial and 1 parallel I/O, 8K BASIC, 4K
BASIC, cores, ass., games, etc. All
assembled and running. $1500. Shipping
paid. Write Bryan K. Miller, 1307 Wil-
crest, Houston, TX 77042.

FOR SALE: Heath H8 system with 24K
memory, serial & cassette interface, 2
cassette players, all standard systems
software and documentation, both ver-
sions of Extended B.H. BASIC, and extra
cassettes. Up and running and in excel-
lent condition. Does not include ter-
minal. Asking $1200 or best offer. Call
Dave (201) 625-1092.

FOR SALE: 2 MITS S4 synchronous 4K
memory boards, brand new, 200-300 nsec
access times; PTCo ALS-8 firmware board
w/8K of utility programs on PROM;
Heathkit top-of-the-line 10-4510, 15MHz
dual channel oscilloscope, unassembled
in box; Cromemco Bytesaver, PTCo 4K
Static RAM board; PAiA electronic music
synthesizer, 18 modules, 3V4 octave
keyboard, working. Call or write Bob
Stodola 1910 Beechwood Ave., St. Paul,
MN 55116, (612) 698-2731.

FOR SALE: S-100 — 16x64 video inter-
face (ASCII & block graphics), assem-
bled $100; 8K RAM, assembled $100; Pro-
totyping board, including buffers and
regulator on board $20; Full ASCII key-
board including user-defined keys $35;
Call or write Philip Klein, 1524 Sacra-
mento St., Berkeley, CA 94702, (415)
524-9711.

FOR SALE: Compucolor computer with
8001 BASIC, dual disk drive, and 16K
RAM. Used for sales demonstrations,
will sell for highest offer. Video Midwest,
2212 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, IA
50312, (515) 244-1447.

TRADE TRS-80 PROGRAMS: Have about
50 games, graphics, etc. Send your pro-
grams on a cassette and I will record all I
can on your cassette and return it to you.
Level 1 only. Jim Clayton, 3520 SE Vine-
yard Road, Milwaukie, OR 97222.

FOR SALE: ASR 33 Teletype with stand,
box of ribbons, papertape punch and
reader; good condition, $600.00. Allen
Tanner, 526 Cleveland Ave., Salt Lake
City, UT 84105.

FOR SALE; Heath Microprocessor
Course and Heath ET-3400 Microproces-
sor Trainer (completely assembled), in-
cluding all accessories, instructions,
course examination and subscription to
Heath Users Group, $240.00. C. Brandt,
903 Rose St., Barnwell, SC 29812, (803)
259-7211.

FOR SALE: PerSci full size 8-inch dual
disks in slimline cabinet with power sup-
ply and 1070 intelligent controller. Also
CP/M Microsoft BASIC and TDL BASIC,
text editor and word processor, asking
$2650. First certified check, I pay UPS
delivery. (Adapters available for
Heathkit, S-100 & Digital Group bus.)
One D.G. adapter with Zappel monitor in
ROM & 2 RS232 ports, asking $210, same
terms. Also, Digital Group 9” monitor in
dress cabinet, $185. DG keyboard
w/number cluster in dress cabinet, $175.
Three DG 8K boards, $180 each. Dr. Mc-
Call, (804) 838-1950 weekdays.

FOR SALE: S-100 floppy system & 16K
RAM. New ‘Discus I’ 8" Shugart drive
system and controller, $885. 16K static,
450 ns RAM board, $290. Both from Mor-
row's ‘Thinker Toys'. George Markle,
(415) 969-4969.

FOR SALE: Heath H-8 software. 127 of
the most popular computer games for
$39. They run on Extended BASIC ver-
sion #10.02. and require 16K of memory.
Complete descriptions of games includ-
ed. On high quality cassettes. Send
check or money order to Mike Sexton,
37793 Colfax Court, Fremont, CA 94536.

FOR SALE: Sphere boards, CPU/2,
CRT/1 A. Best offer. Richars Likwartz, 827
West St., Rock Springs, WY 82901, (307)
362-5316.

FOR SALE: DEC PDP-8F minicomputer
system, 16K, 2 disk drives, video ter-
minal, ASR 33, much software. Make of-
fer. John Robinson, 725 Berry Ln., Lex-
ington, KY 40502, (606) 266-1509.

FOR SALE: TRS-80 software programs.
Graphics, games, Psychiatrist, Bio-
rhythm or programs written to your spe-
cifications. For complete catalog send
SASE to Mike Sobetzko, 6631 Nagle
Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91401.

PET USER GROUP for people interested
in the Commodore PET 2001 computer.
Share and exchange applications, pro-
grams and hardware expansion tech-
niques. First year membership $5 and in-
cludes 6 Issues of PET User Notes. Write
Gene Beals, P.O. Box 371; Mont-
gomeryville, PA 18936.

FOR SALE: Imsai PCS-80/35 with TV
monitor, dual minidisks, 32K, IMDOS
(CP/M), CBASIC, keyboard, VIO-C, and
spare port for printer. Almost new;
$3,000 including 6 spare diskettes. Also
VIO-B for $300, 8” diskette, CBASIC and
FORTRAN for $80 each, and extra 32K
for $500. Ted Aho, 3965 Munkers St. SE,
Salem, OR 97301, (581-9566.

OCTOBER 1978

INTERFACE AGE 143

ADVERTISER INDEX

Info

Inquiry

Number Page

MANUFACTURERS

1 Administrative Systems Inc 51

2 Alpha Micro 14-15

3 Audio Engineering 54

4 AVR Electronics 34

5 Bits Inc 52

6 Canada Systems. Inc 51

7 Computalker Consultants 50

8 Computer Data Systems 7

9 Computerised 18-19

10 Compuworld 65

11 Cromemco Inc 1

13 Data Dynamics. Inc 40

• Data Dynamics Technology 42

15 dillthium Press 55

16 Dynabyte 8-9

1 7 Electro Analytic Systems. Inc 4

18 Electronic Control Technology 37

19 EMM/CMP 26

20 EMM Semi. Inc 69

21 Hayden Book Company, Inc 33

22 D.C. Hayes Asssociates. Inc 32

23 Info 2000 Corporation 39

24 Integral Data Systems, Inc 30-31

• INTERFACE AGE Subscriptions 53

and insert between pages 120 & 121

• INTERFACE AGE Back Issues 67

25 James Electronics IBC

• Lifeboat Associates 65. 68

27 Meca 59

28 Micro Computer Devices Inc 37

29 Microdesign. Fullerton, CA 38

30 Micro Mail 66

31 Micromation 22-23

32.96 Micropolis 62-63

33 MicroPro International Corporation 41

34 Micro Technology Unlimited 58

35 The MicroWorks 68

• Mini Micro 71

38 MPI 54

39 No Name Computers 69

40 NCC79AFIPS 12

41 Ohio Scientific 3

42 OK Machine & Tool Corp 64

43 Osborne & Associates. Inc 60

44 Otto Electronics 48

45 Pacific Digital 67

46 Payne, Jackson & Associates 91

47 Percom Data Company, Inc 24

• Radio Shack 11

48 RHS Marketing 27

49 Seattle Computer Products, Inc 16

• Shugart Associates 20-21

51 Space Byte Computer Corp 29

52 SSI 50

53,54 Structured Systems Group 5, 43-44

55 SWTPC IFC

56 Sybex 10

12 Synertek Systems Corp 13

57 Sylvanhills Laboratories, Inc 36

58 System Insights 28

59 Technico Inc 56

60 Terminal Systems 25

61,62 Thinker Toys 35,45

63 Trans Net Corporation 38

64 Ultra-Violet Products, Inc 26

14 U.S. Savings Bonds 49

65 Vector Electronic Company 40

66 Vector Graphic Inc BC

67 Xitanlnc 47

68 XI lex Corporation 57

COMPUTER STORES/SURPLUS STORES

69 Bits N Bytes, Fullerton, CA 116

70 Byte Shop, Lawndale, CA 119

71 Byte Shop, Tustin, CA 122

72 Byte Shop, East 124

73 Byte Shops of South Florida 115

89 Colorado Computer Corral 114

74 Component Sales Inc Ill

75 Computer Components Inc.,

Van Nuys, CA 107

76 Computer Components Inc.

Westminster, CA 105

1 77 Computer Enterprises 106

78,79 Computer Mart Systems, NY 1 19, 123

80 Computer Store, Santa Monica, CA .... 124

94 Computer Systems Design, Inc 141

95 Computerworld 34

81 Digi-Key Corporation 118

82 Digital Marketing 104

• Electronic Systems 113

83 International Computer Systems 112

84 Khalsa Computer Systems Inc 110

26 Madison Business Systems 141

85 MicroAge 105

86 MlnIMicroMart, Inc 117

87 Mission Control 121

88 Quest Electronics 116

90 Rainbow Computing Inc 112

91,92 Sunshine Computer Company 103,109

93 Trinico, International 125

'Manufacturer requests factory-direct inquiry.

FREE: Data cable with the sale of a
PerScI 1070 intelligent disk controller,
$500. A&T. TDL SMB board (dealer demo).
2 serial I/O’s, 1 parallel, cassette interface
and TDL 2K Zapple monitor in ROM and
2K RAM. Checked out, A&T $220. TDL
software package “A" w/12K BASIC,
2-80 assembler, Z-TEL, Text Output Pro-
cessor, all to run under CP/M format. 8”
diskette, manuals and notebook, $189.
Call or write Ted Nakamura, 3421 Onyx
St., Torrance, CA 90503, (213) 371-8138.

WANTED: North Star BASIC Compiler.
Roger T. Scaggs, 2353 Claridge Circle,
Plano, TX 75075, (214) 596-1212.

FOR SALE: S-100 system. 8080 CPU w/48K
of static RAM and 8K of ROM. Computer
has front panel. With 108-key stand alone
keyboard, video display, 15” IBM Selec-
tric printer w/extra platen, type balls, etc.
Also includes paper tape reader, Tarbell
cassette system, EPROM programmer,
UV eraser and over 100 programs.
Reliable and nicely packaged to be sold
as a system only for $3600. Jim
Baumgardt, 6821 San Alto, Buena Park,
CA 90620, (714) 826-7056.

WANTED: Information on users group
for Intercolor 8051. Also, interested in in-
terfacing experience with this computer
via 8-bit I/O and especially software ex-
change. John G. Peddie, 2930 Lakeshore
Ave., Oakland, CA 94610.

FOR SALE: Floppy tape peripheral. Com-
plete with control board, 8 tapes, new
and used. Uses stereo 8-track cartridge.
Each cartridge can hold one program per
track or 8 per cartridge. Program length
limited only by tape length. The used
tapes have 5 or 6 programs on each and
are included free. Ready to run, includ-
ing Star Trek, Othello, other games and
technical programs. Will interface
w/most microcomputers. Schematic incl.
Will ship UPS, $100. R. Mendelson, 27
Somerset PL, Murray Hill, NJ 07874.

FOR SALE: Digital Group TVC-64 w/docu-
mentation & OP— system cassette, Radio
Shack keyboard w/Return key added.
Both in one case, $175. Wanted: SWTPC
CT-1024 or CT-64. Bob Howarth, Jr., RFD
#1, Box 36, Lisbon, NH 03585.

FOR SALE: Apple II software-cassette;
Author-Title Index program for books,
records, tapes, super-fast machine
language sort, 16K Blackjack, graphic,
paddle input, sound; full L.V. rules, auto-
play by computer, $10 ea. incl. documen-
tation. Both $15. George Lee, 18803 S.
Christina Ave., Cerritos, CA 90701.

FOR SALE: Routines for 8080 interpreter
will automatically copy old BASIC pro-
grams so they can be read by the new in-
terpreter. Source listing and instruc-
tions, $5.00. Disassembler for North Star
(origins at OOOOH and 5000H), $5.00 plus
disk. D. Sellari, 616 N. Delaware Ave.,
Lindenhurst, NY 11757.

FOR SALE: TRS-80 Level 1 tapes and
lists. Star Trek War (runs on 12K), list $7,
tape $10. Biorhythm (4K), list $4.50, tape
$7; Lunar Lander (4K), list $3, tape $5.
Level 2 tapes: RAM test, $8; Lunar
Lander, $5; Biorhythm, $7. J.R. Menzies,
1011 Neal Dr., Alexandria, VA 22308.

FOR SALE: SOL 20, 2 SOL 10’s, Altair
8800A with p.t. motherboard, 24 kra's
static RAM, 8 kra, 2-3 pts I/O board, Mits
vectored interrupt, r, time clock board,
iCOM dual floppy, ASR 33 TTY, TDL ZPU.
Send offers, receive detailed list.
Marsden, 608 Kelly, Silver City, NM
88061, (505) 538-5229.

FOR SALE: Enhancements and modifica-
tions to Microsoft KIM-1, nine digit
BASIC, $15. Fast SAVE and LOAD; inter-
rupt programs and CONTinue; GET com-
mand; append programs; paper tape us-
ing x-on — x-off; real time clock (0.1
sec.); etc. Send prepaid order or SASE
for more details. Harvey Herman, 2512
Berkeley PL, Greensboro, NC 27403.

FOR SALE: TRS-80 business programs.
Accounts Receivable, Contractor's job
cost, and Accountant’s daily time billing.
Run on level 1 OK. Moderate prices, all
under $20 each. Jack Hatfield, 2895 Bed-
ford Ave., Placerville, CA 95667.

WANTED: Individuals interested in pur-
chasing Magnetic Stripe Reader (Byte,
Feb. 1978, p. 182) in a cooperative effort
for a lower price. Write to Chris Placak,
Box 5756, Charlottesville, VA 22905.

FOR SALE: 8K byte, 250 nsec, static
memories, $175. IBM Selectric type
balls, $10. IBM Selectric tool kit, $25.
IBM Selectric 10 pitch to 12 pitch con-
version kit, $35. ACDC power supply, 5 to
9 volt, 20 amp, overvoltage protect, over-
current protect, $80. Sunny Power Sup-
ply, 9 volt 25 amps, ± 18 volt-4 amps, - 9
volts-4 amps, $85. Stan Levine, 1802 Mel-
ville St., Ocean, NJ 07712, (201) 531-8305.

FOR SALE: ASR 33 like new with recent
1C touch tone modem. Includes all man-
uals. $750. You ship. Also SWTPC
CT-1024 w/scroll, 16 lines 64 char., upper/
lower case, custom oak/formica cabinet.
Lots of spare parts. $225. Julian Jetzer,
6400 Hawthorn Rd., Sheboygan, Wl
53081, (414) 457-3366.

FOR SALE: DTE Diablo commercial Hy-
type I printer/keyboard, fully equipped;
RS232 interface; contact E. Grossman,
410 Albany Post Rd., Croton, NY 10520.

FOR SALE: Three TRACOR 2314 type 30
megabyte disk drives w/all manuals,
schematics and controller information.
$600 ea. Taken from service. Michael
Driscoll, 5309 Riverdale Rd., # 404, River-
dale, MD 20840, (301) 779-6425, after 6.

FOR SALE: Altair 8800B including 28K of
static memory, 2SIO, ACT (with 8K MITS
BASIC and games on tape), Newtech
music board, plus iCOM micro-floppy
with full software (FDOS III & DEBBI)
plus an ADM-3A terminal. A complete
system ready to run! $2495.00 complete.
Call Eliot at (213) 450-1324 (day) or (213)
454-7690 (evenings).

FIFO FLEA MARKET is provided as a
free service to our readers. When send-
ing an ad please be brief in description
and include price, name, address and/or
phone number. There is a two month lag
time. All ads this month were received
before August 25th.

144 INTERFACE AGE

OCTOBER 1978

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FIRST CLASS
PERMIT NO. 11
CERRITOS. CA
90701

BUSINESS REPLY MAIL

No Postage Stamp Necessary II Mailed In the United States

Postage will be paid by

imcriraLE «5c Magazine
P.O. Box 1234

Cerritos, CA 90701

FIRST CLASS
PERMIT NO. 11
CERRITOS. CA
90701

BUSINESS REPLY MAIL

No Postage Stamp Necessary it Mailed In the United States

Postage will be paid by

ifuTcnraLC «5c Magazine

P.O. Box 1234
Cerritos, CA 90701

One-Stop

Component Center

AUTHORIZED DEALERS

ALABAMA

KANSAS (Continued)

NEW YORK (Continued)

Crop well

Tucker Bros

Manhattan

Communications Specialties L td

White Plains

The Computer Comer

Huntsville

Industrial Electronic Supply

Wichita

Amateur Radio Equipment Company

Wtl/iamsvtilc

Hutch Sales Co.

Mobile

Lafayette Radio Electronics

KENTUCKY

NORTH CAROLINA

ALASKA

Lexmgton

Radio- Electronic Equipment Co

Durham

Futureworld

Anchorage

Electronics Corp. of Alaska

LOUISIANA

Greensboro

Byte Shop

ARIZONA

Baton Rouge

Davis Electronics Supply Co.

Raleigh

Byte Shop of Raleigh

Flagstaff

Jim's Audio A Stereo Repair

Baton Rouge

Menard Electronics Inc.

NORTH DAKOTA

Fountain Hills

PA C Communications

New Orleans

Wm 8 Allen Supply Co.

Fargo

The Computer Company

Tempt

Compute rworld Inc.

MARYLAND

OHIO

Sierra Vista

BAS Electronics

Baltimore

Computers Unlimited

Bucyrus

Mead Electronics

Yuma

Yuma Electronics

Baltimore

Computer Workshop of Baltimore

Cincinnati

Digital Design

CALIFORNIA

Baltimore

Everything Electronic

Columbus

Heathkit Electronic Center

Bellflower

Earl's Hobby Shop

La Vale

JAM Electronics

Dayton

Altair Computer Center

Berkeley

Al Lasher Electronics

Rockville

Computer Workshop

Reynoldsburg

Universal Amateur Radio

Brea

Century Electronics

Silver Spring

Computers E rc.

OKLAHOMA

Cypress

SCR Electronics

Towton

Bay net vi lie Electronic Inc.

Guymon

Sound Service

El Monte

Kimball A Stark

Tows on

Computers Etc

Oklahoma City

Bits. Bytes A Micros

Fontana

Fontana Electronics

MASSACHUSETTS

Tulsa

High Technology

Fullerton

Orvac Electronics Inc

Medford

Tufts Electronics

OREGON

Glendale

Eagle Electronics

North Adams

Electronics Supply Center

Albany

Oregon Ham Sales

Lake Tahoe. South

CalPme Electronics

Waltham

Computer Mart Inc

Beaverton

Norvac Electronics

Lancaster

Consumer Electronics

Worcester

RM Electronics Inc.

Coot Bay

Hemck Electron ix

Long Btach

Scott Radio Supply Inc

MICHIGAN

Medford

Portland Radio Supply

Mission Vie/o

Tower Electronics Corp

Ann Arbor

Airway Electronic Communications

Ontario

Miller Electronics

Modesto

Computer Mage

Flint

Hobby Electronic Center

Portland

Portland Radio Supply

Modesto

Pacific Radio

Grand Rapids

M>cro Computer World

Salem

Computer Pathways

Monterey

Zackit

Lantmg

Fulton Radio Supply Co

PENNSYLVANIA

Oceanside

Electronic Center

Midland

Computronix Corp.

Drexel Hill

Kass Electronic Distributors

Palmdale

Radio Shack A. SC. Palmdale

Mt Clemens

The Consputer Store

Erie

Warren Radio

Palo Alto

Zack Electronics

Muskegon

H.R. Electronics

Hershey

Microcomputer Systems Inc

Pasadena
Riverside
Sacramento
Sacramento
Sacramrnto
San Bernardino
San Carlos
San Diego
San Diego
San Fernando
San Francisco
San Francisco
San Jose
San Luis Obispo
San Rafael
Santa Barbara
Santa Cruf
Santa Maria
Santa Monica
Sunnyvale
Torrance
Vallejo
Van Nuys
Ventura
Walnut Creek
Westminster
Whittier
Whittier

COLORADO

Aurora

Denver

Steamboat Springs

CONNECTICUT

Bridgeport

FLORIDA

Dow Radio Inc
Computer Center
Heathkit Electronic C 'enter
The Radio Place
Zackit

Inland Computer 6 Electronics
J A H Outlet Store
Radio Shack AS C. Mira Mesa
Radio TtontCi Inc
San Fernando Electronics
Zack Electronics
Zenith Distributing Corp
Quement Electronics
Mid-State Electronic Supply
Electronics Plus
Lombard Electronics
Santa Cm/ Electronics
Caps Electronics
Mission Control
Sunnyvale Electronics
SE Electronics
Zackit

Thnfty Electronics Supply
Lombard's Electronics Inc
Byte Shop of Walnut Creek
JK Electronics
O A S Electronics
Whither Electronics Co.

Cam Co Electronics
Mt. Com Distributing Co
Norm's TV A Electronics

Bridgeport Computer

Ft Lauderdale

Computers For You

MINNESOTA

Gainesville

Lafayette Rad>o

Duluth

Northwest Radio of Duluth

Lakeland

Lakeland Specialty Electronics

Eagan

Computer Room Inc

Orlando

Altai Computer Center

Hopkins

Heathkit Electronic Center

Pensacola

Cnee Electronics Inc

St Paul

Heathkit Electronic Center

Tampa

AMF Radio

MISSOURI

Tampa

Microcomputer Systems

El Dorado Springs

Beckman Electronics

GEORGIA

Florissant

Computer Country

Atlanta

Atlanta Computer Mart

Park vilte

Computer Workshop of Kansas City

HAWAII

MONTANA

Aiea

De /comi Hawaii

Billings

Conley Radio Supply

Honolulu

Integrated Orcuit Supply

Bo/eman

Electronic Service A Distributing

IOAHO

Great Falls

Art's Electronics

Boise

Custom Electronics

NEBRASKA

Caldwell

A -Gem Supply Inc.

Lincoln

Allan Computer Center

Idaho Fjslls

Audiotronics

Lincoln

Scott Electronic Supply fnc.

ILLINOIS

North Platte

Scott Radio Supply Corp

Car bond alt

Lay layette Radio

Omaha

Heathkit Electron < Center

Evanston

Itty Bitty Machine Co

Omaha

Omaha Computer Store

Evanston

Trf State Electronic Corp

NEVAOA

Granite Oty

Computer Systems Center

Las Vegas

Century 23

Grove land

Moyer Electronics

NEW JERSEY

Mount Prospect

Tn-State Electronic Corp

Bay villa

A R S Communications Services

Niles

Computer Land

Bnck town

Radio Shack Aiiocurr Store

Oak Park

Spectronics Inc

Cherry Hill

The Computer Emporium

Peoria

Warren Radio Co

Hoboken

Hoboken Computer Works

Rockford

Imperial Computer Systems

Paterson

All tromet

Schaumburg

Data Domain

Pomp ton Lake

Computer Corner of New Jersey

INDIANA

Ramsey

Typetronic Computer Store

East Chicago

Aero Electronics Corp.

NEW YORK

Hammond

Quantum Computer Works

Albany

Fort Orange Electronics

IOWA

Kingston

Grey lock E fee ironies

Clinton

Bridge Elec. Computer Center

New York

Computer Mart of New York

Davenport

Computer Store of Davenport

Rensselaer

Com Tech Electronics

Det Mo met

Radio Trade Supply Co

Roches ter

2001 Microsystems

Indian ola

Electrons Limited

Troy

Trojan Electronics

KANSAS

Utica

Am Com Electronics

Kansas Oty

Electronic Surplus Sales

Murrysvifle
Phoetuxvilfe
Pittsburgh
Wifkesbare
York

RHOOE ISLAND

Cranston

Pawtucket

SOUTH CAROLINA

North Charleston

TENNESSEE

Chattanooga

Clarksville

Cookeville

Knoxville

Memphis

Memphis

Nashville

Oak Ridge

TEXAS

Amarillo

Dallas

Houston

Houston

San Antonio

UTAH

Provo

Salt Lake City
VIRGINIA
Alexandria
Alexandria
Alexandria
Charlottesville
Hampton
Richmond
Roanoke
Springfield
Virginia Beach
WASHINGTON
Kennewick
Longview
Pasco
Richland
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
Spokane
Tacoma

WEST VIRGINIA

Morgantown

Morgantown

Ripley

Wheeling

Computer Workshop of Pittsburgh
Stevens Electronics
Tydmgs Company
Hamlme Electronics
G. Y.C. Company

Jabbour Electronics City
Jabbour Electronics City

Technical Services Inc.

Wiliam’s Data Comp Division
Masstronics
Wagnon's Stereo Center
Byte Shop
Bluff City Electronics
Sere- Rose A Spencer Electronics
Eddie Warner's Parts Co
Computer Denn

Computer Encounters Inc.

CompuShop
Altair Computer Center
Interactive Computers
Sherman Electronics Supply Inc.

Alpine Elecrontc Supply Co
Best Distributing

Computer Hardware Store
Computers Plus Inc.
Heathkit Electronic Center
Lafayette Electronics
Lafayette Radio
Computers To-Go
The Computer Place
Computer Workshop of North Virginia
Heathkit Electronic Center

C A J Electronics
Progress Electronics
River view Electronics
C A J Electronics
ABC Communications
Amateur Radio Supply
C-Com
Empire Electronics
Personal Computers
Northwest Radio Supply

The Computer Cornet
Electro Distributing Co
Thompson 's Radio Shack
Lafayette Radio Asso Store

CANADA

Alberta (Calgary I
Ontario (Willowdalel
Quebec ( Montreal l

PANAMA

Panama City
Panama City
Panama City

FRANCE

Pans

SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE

The Computer Shop
Home Computer Centre
Wang's Microcenter

Electrotecma S A
Sonitel. S A
Tropelco. S A.

Computer Boutique

Inter-Trade f PTE I Ltd.
Systems Technology Ltd.

SEE YOUR LOCAL

DEALER TODAY!

For Dealer Information, write or phone JIM-PAK® 1021 Howard Ave., San Carlos, California 94070 (415) 592-8097

CIRCLE INQUIRY NO. 25

Over the past two years
customer acceptance of Vector
Graphic microcomputers has just
grown and grown and grown. It
isn’t terribly surprising, really.
After all, it does make life a lot
easier when you have reliable
cost effective equipment.

So it is with our new Vector
MZ business system with both
data processing and word
processing available all in one
trouble-free system.

That’s good because:

By having one interactive
stand-alone system with optional
software for all your business
functions including Accounts
Payable, Accounts Receivable,

General Ledger, Financial
Statement, Inventory and more,
plus . . . word processing for
mailing labels, text editing of
manuals, catalogs, etc., collection
letters, contracts and proposals
-you'll have big business power.

Known throughout the
industry for highly reliable
equipment, Vector Graphic’s new
business system incorporates:
the Z-80 based Vector MZ micro-
computer with built-in dual-disk
quad-density storage enough to
handle as many as 4,000 customers
and 12,000 inventory items;

Vector Graphic’s "Mindless
terminal"; and a Centronics 120
character per second printer.

Optional Diablo letter-quality
printer is also available.

That’s Vector Graphic - cost
effective, versatile, reliable
systems. When you get right
down to it - nobody does
it better.

□ Send me details immediately.

Name

Company

Address

City /State/Zip

Dealer inquiries invited.

C3a?hc me.

Vector Graphic Inc.. 3 1 364 Via Colinas
Westlake Village. CA 91361 . (213) 991-2302

Small Wonder